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Tag: contractor

The Future of Home Services: Owning a HandyForce Franchise

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With many industries and sectors experiencing a technological revolution, the home services industry has been somewhat stale in recent decades. Sure, newer equipment and power tools have made it easier for contractors, but many of the methods and principles that apply today were also in practice 30 or 40 years ago.

HandyForce is a company that aims to change all of this. With our cutting edge way of thinking, we are bringing the home services industry into the 21st century. And you can become part of it too, by joining The HandyForce! Sounds interesting? Read on to learn all about it!

Why choose the home services industry

Canadian homeowners are spending more money with each passing year on their renovation projects, and thus you are poised to enter a booming industry. As a HandyForce franchise owner, you can tap into this growing demand and build a profitable business.

Unlike many other industries, this area is not overly saturated with franchises, which allows for an easier market share, less competition and fewer costs associated with advertising and marketing. Add to this that there will always be a demand for skilled labor, and there are many good reasons to consider this industry.

Becoming part of a success story

By choosing to franchise with HandyForce, you stand to immediately get a head start on your competitors that go their own. As a franchisee you benefit from a proven business model, with an impressive track record of success.

The HandyForce has spent years refining its systems and processes to ensure that franchisees have everything they need to run a successful business, enabling you to quickly learn the ropes and grow your business in no time.

Tap into our existing goodwill

With a HandyForce franchise you will also quickly learn that customers recognize The HandyForce name, and know that they can expect quality service and professionalism. This is because we have already laid the groundwork in terms of establishing recognition and trust for our customers, making it easier for you to get new clients.

We invest in people

At The HandyForce we believe in people. In practice this means that we provide all franchisees with comprehensive training and support, including an initial training program, ongoing support, and access to a network of experienced franchisees.

This will ensure that you have the knowledge and resources you need to succeed in the industry, and that help is never far away if you need it. As long as you have a willingness to learn, you will fit right in with us.

Access to our bespoke software

Last but certainly not least, we have developed a completely unique and custom software platform. This tool called “Portal”, streamlines business operations and provides valuable insights into customer behavior, effectively using data-driven strategies and concepts known from the tech sector.

This puts The HandyForce franchise owners in an advantageous position with regards to the future, as other home service companies might be left behind due to not incorporating technology at the same effective rate as HandyForce.

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.

The Advantages of a Home Office Renovation

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With more and more Canadians working from home, the business of home office renovations has seen a surge in recent years. This is in part due to general comfort, but there are many other advantages as well.

In this article we will examine some of the benefits you can look forward to, if you choose to renovate your home office today. So if you are not certain whether spending money and effort on an improved home office is worth it, we suggest you keep reading to find out for sure!

Adds to the value of the home

A properly designed and renovated home office can be a huge selling point when your home goes on the open market. You are not the only one working from home, and if the future buyers can save time and energy on creating a home office from scratch, it might be worth some money upfront to them.

If you are concerned about adding value via your renovations, consider using materials and colors that will stand the test of time. While you might be in love with the color purple, chances are that the new prospective buyers will not be.

Can increase your productivity

Renovating your home office can also be a way to get more done during working hours. Perhaps your walls are too thinly insulated, making it possible to hear your baby next door crying, or traffic from the outside roads.

It might also be a question of whether your current windows are not letting in enough light, in which case a dormer or larger windows could be viable options to help you stay focused during longer sessions.

Can also make your home greener

If you are renovating your home office anyway, consider adding in features to help make it more environmentally friendly. Perhaps your old light fixtures need to be updated with LED bulbs, or you could add efficient floor heating and remove that old heater that is drawing too much electricity.

You might even opt for certain organic and sustainable materials sourced from reputable suppliers, letting you work from home with a clean conscience and a unique looking office.

Can improve the function of the room

When renovating your office at home, you should also consider ways in which you can make the space more functional and comfortable for the longer days. Perhaps you have been growing tired of a lack of storage, in which case you might wish to consider some ways to alleviate that.

If your home office is not the largest out there, it might be a good idea to consider installing a sliding door instead of keeping the old traditional door. This way you can get more out of your floor plan, and at the same time also add a unique design element to your office.

Can also enhance your creative energy

By keeping in mind what makes you inspired, whether it be the beautiful color of a bamboo floor, wall to wall shelves, or something else entirely, you can also achieve a more creative outlook once done renovating.

Or perhaps your current floor plan does not allow for a full standing desk setup, in which case you might need to knock down a wall, or rearrange the existing layout. Similarly you should also consider ways in which to reduce clutter and distractions.

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 Maximize Space in Your Home Through Renovations

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Having plenty of space to move around is something most of us enjoy. But with the rising house prices in Canada, it can be tricky to find a home in the right area that also affords plenty of free space for yourself, your children and everything else you need room for.

Whether you already have a home you are looking to optimize the space for, or whether you are considering buying a particular home that feels a bit small, this article will help you understand what your options are in terms of maximizing your space. Good luck!

Do not rush your decision

If you have just bought your home but have not yet moved in, you might not realize exactly what it is that makes the space feel cramped for instance. While not always possible, it can be a good idea to live in the home for a week or longer before making massive changes.

This is in order for you to get a good feeling of the flow of the space, and to get a better understanding of what would help and what is necessary. Nothing is worse than spending money and time on a renovation project that turns out to be unnecessary and thus a waste.

Opening up the space

One of the most common ways of maximizing space in a home, is by removing sections of walls that block the light and obstruct easy passages. Just remember not to touch load bearing walls without professional help, as this can lead to disaster in a short time.

Most of us are familiar with an open and combined dining room and kitchen area, but there are plenty of other areas where knocking down a part of the wall can free up room for all sorts of activities.

Consider dual purpose areas

These days there are plenty of brilliant solutions for the space conscious family. With many Canadians working from home, more and more people have turned their guest bedroom into a home office.

But what about when the inlaws are visiting? In this case something simple like a wall mounted bed that you can pull down, would allow you to keep working during the weekdays, and on the weekend convert the room to a livable guestroom.

Maximize the amount natural light

Luxury is defined by space and light. If you are having issues with the space in your home, maximizing the amount of natural light flowing into your rooms can help make the space feel larger and more open.

Consider adding windows or skylights, or removing heavy curtains to let in more light. Alternatively, a gable fronted dormer can not only add more light into the room, but even provide more square footage as well.

Build an extension to your home

Finally, the last option on our list is to add an entirely new section to your existing square footage. Whether this is connected directly to the rest of your home, or functions as a separate space for the teenager to enjoy is up to you.

You might even be able to convert the upstairs attic into a livable area. Just remember to check with local planning officers, and obtain all the necessary permits in order to fully register the area, and avoid potential fines and issues when selling the home down the road.

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.

Should you fix your drywall or let professionals handle it?

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When renovating an older home, it is often a good idea to replace the old wall finishing, in order to get a more energy efficient home, a modern and fashionable look, and to eliminate any potential issues before it is too late. But should you take on this project on your own, or leave it to professionals?

All this and more will be covered in this blog post, where we aim to provide our readers with an easy overview, so enjoy!

The basics of drywalling

Drywalling is essential for keeping the winter temperatures outside, and your home nice and warm. But why is that? And what benefits does drywalling and insulating offer that similar methods do not?

Drywalling is a method used for wall finishing, similarly to plastering, but compared to this method, offers the following benefits:

  • Easy to install
  • Great insulating effect
  • Looks good and can be painted on
  • Cheaper
  • Resistant to fire

Doing it yourself

Alright, now that we’ve covered the drywall basics, it’s time to look closer at whether or not you should take on this project on your own.

One of the major considerations is the overall scope of the damage, cracks or wear and tear on the existing drywall. For tiny holes or issues, it is often possible to adequately repair these yourself, as long as you are willing to invest time into researching the proper methods, as well as money into the necessary equipment, tools and materials.

However, it is important to be aware that even minor drywall damage can be caused by a structural issue, meaning that any potential problems will most likely recur after patching up the drywall itself.

The process of doing this yourself can be time consuming, but for tiny patches it should be doable. You will need various bits of kit, such as drywall compound, masking tape, a special knife for cutting drywall, and more.

It can require a steady hand and a good eye for details when doing this yourself, as the end result will depend on how well each step in the process is completed.

Leaving it to professionals

Many homeowners in Canada prefer to let a skilled company handle drywalling projects, since there are many things that can go wrong, but also because it provides comfort in knowing that a professional and skilled worker has looked closer at the structural integrity of the home.

As mentioned earlier, issues with holes or cracks in your drywall can be caused by a serious issue with your walls or other parts of the structural and load bearing construction. At The HandyForce, we will always do a proper inspection to rule out any serious issues before starting work.

At the same time we will also be able to leverage our many years of experience in the industry, to help guide you towards the optimal choices for insulation, whether it is spray foam, batten, blown-in or foam boards.

We are also able to schedule an appointment with a professional from HandyForce, in order to evaluate the necessary steps, leaving the final decision of who to perform the actual work up to you.

The Benefits of Installing Smart Home Technology

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

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

List of popular smart home improvements

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

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

Ease of mind

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

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

Better security

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

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

A convenient home

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

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

What is required

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

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

How to Choose the Right Home Renovation Contractor

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

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

Browse your local area for potential candidates

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

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

Ensure they have the correct experience, licenses and insurance

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

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

Make a shortlist of the candidates

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

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

Approach the candidates

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

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