fbpx

Tag: East York

Should you fix your drywall or let professionals handle it?

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Posted on

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.

The Benefits of Home Renovations for Older Adults

Posted on

As we continue to see the average life span increase, more and more retired Canadians choose to age in place, staying put in their treasured and beloved homes they know so well.

But with that comes a new set of challenges, as their homes are typically not built for their newly developed needs. By renovating your home with this in mind, you can achieve a more comfortable home that is safer to live in and provides added functionality.

So in this article we will cover some of the main benefits and concepts that those who age in place tend to choose. Enjoy!

Safety first

Most of us think of the many safety features when talking about renovating homes for aging in place. This can encompass larger renovations, such as ripping out the old steep stairs, and installing some friendlier and easier to traverse ones.

On a smaller scale, adding bars and handrails, lining the floor and stairs with non-slip materials and other similar features can further increase the safety of the homeowners. This will not only make the home safer, but also allow for more peace of mind, as the homeowners will not need to worry as much about potential falls or other accidents.

Comfort is important

Many older homeowners have been living in their house for decades, which often means that their homes are not as modern and energy efficient as they could be. Insulating the old and leaky roof will not only save on the energy bill, but also create a more comfortable home.

As we age in place, we tend to stay home during longer stretches than when we were working. This means air quality and natural light becomes even more important. These renovations can further improve the comfort, and are often relatively cheap compared to other home renovations.

Adapting to changing needs

Once you hit a certain age, it becomes troublesome to walk down the stairs at 3 in the morning just to go to the bathroom. Adding a bathroom next to your master bedroom can be a great addition that not only makes your home safer and more functional, it can also increase the value of your home when one day selling it.

On a similar note, many older Canadians are remodeling their homes to accommodate accessibility needs. This can include installing ramps such as ramps, wider doorways and lowering the countertops to make it easier for people in wheelchairs or with bad backs to move around.

Many bathrooms have a lip, or threshold, encompassing the shower area. But this can make it more difficult to enter the shower for people with a bad back or a reduced ability to walk. And it can completely block access for wheelchairs. By renovating your bathroom and adapting it to your new needs, you can keep living in your home that you love.

Final thoughts

Home renovations for older adults ultimately have the goal of making it possible to continue living a normal life, where the homeowners can stay independent and not rely on family members or outside help for their daily chores.

At HandyForce we have years of experience helping people stay independent for longer. So if you are considering a project to make life a little easier for yourself, feel free to contact us for a chat.

The Benefits of Green Home Renovations

Posted on

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

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

Achieve a better indoor environment

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

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

Reduce the amount of water used

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

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

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

Making life better for the wildlife

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

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

Allows for passive cooling and heating

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

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

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

The Benefits of Upgrading Your Home’s Insulation

Posted on

Are you considering renovating your home to better withstand the Canadian winter? Or perhaps you wish to reduce noise, increase the value of your house, or perhaps do your part for the environment?

With insulation you can achieve all of the above and more. In this article we will cover all the different advantages that modern insulation provides, as well as discuss how it can be done cheaper than you might expect. Enjoy!

Less energy required

Few home renovation projects deliver as many benefits as good insulation. One of the most immediate results is that your home will require less energy in order to be heated and cooled down, saving your money on your utility bills, and also getting rid of those annoying cold winds blowing through the small cracks of your exterior.

Less noise pollution

Insulating your home with adequate levels of padding will also reduce the amount of noise you hear from the outside, which can be especially beneficial if you live near a busy intersection, have noisy neighbors, or just like your peace and quiet. It is also possible to only insulate certain rooms, making it possible to work from home without any distractions and a huge hit to your wallet.

Less moisture and better air quality

A properly insulated home will remove most air leaks that seep in through creeks and cracks from windows, door panels, ceilings and any other places. The air quality will be improved automatically, and if you also happen to have HVAC systems in place, you will notice even better results.

This not only leads to less energy consumption as mentioned above, but by using vapor barriers you can also eliminate a lot of the moisture that is in the air. Moisture can damage your home over time if left untreated, leading to water damage or mold.

More value added to your home

Canadians looking to buy homes are increasingly looking for well insulated homes that are ready to move into. This is because of the rising energy prices, as well as the added level of comfort that this provides.

By upgrading your home’s insulation, you can achieve a good return on your investment when the time comes to sell your home.

Certain types of insulation provide better returns, so if you are only looking to add value, we recommend you contract a professional company, such as HandyForce that can help identify the most optimal places to insulate.

Not as expensive as you might think

And speaking of return on investment, another benefit is that upgrading your home’s insulation can yield returns of up to 40% in Canada, according to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. This is because energy costs tend to be high in Canada, especially during the winter months.

Similarly, Canadian homeowners apply for some of the various incentives set forth by the Canadian government, in order to make it more affordable overall. One such incentive is titled the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which offers up to $5,000 in rebates for energy efficient home improvements such as insulation.

If you are looking for an upgrade of your home’s insulation, consider contacting HandyForce Home Services today, and schedule a consultation with one of our insulation experts. We can help you identify the best insulation options for your home and provide professional installation services to ensure that your home stays comfortable and efficient.

How to Budget for Your Home Renovation Project

Posted on

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.

 

3 Tips and tricks for renovating your kitchen

Posted on

Do you wish to increase the value of your home? Are you tired of that one drawer that never quite opens fully? Or perhaps you would prefer updating that ancient looking tiling on your kitchen walls? There are countless reasons why renovating your kitchen is a great idea, and why so many Canadians remodel and renovate their kitchens every year.

If you are considering updating your kitchen, whether it is because you just moved into a new place, or perhaps you are just tired of the old and worn trim, then you are in luck! In this blog post we have curated 3 of our best tips and tricks for renovating your kitchen beautifully and effectively.

Luxury is defined by light and space

This might be an age old saying, but it is true nonetheless. One of the most popular things to do in especially older homes, is tearing down sections of walls in the kitchen.

This allows for more light to enter the room, and opens up the space, creating more room to move about. In some situations you will also be able to converse with family members in the living or dining room, while you are cooking a healthy and tasty meal.

By creating a more modern kitchen environment, you will not only be more comfortable, but also increase the value of your home. Buyers are always looking at the kitchen as one of the major considerations when choosing between homes, so make yours stand out!

Update your wallpaper

A fresh layer of paint can do wonders for any type of kitchen, old or new. As times change, so do our preferences of colors.

Whether for your own benefit, or for potential buyers, making sure that your walls and floors have a modern look and feel, you can ensure your kitchen is presented in the best possible light.

We recommend choosing lighter colors, as these are more neutral, meaning that it will take longer for you to tire of them, they will remain relevant and trendy for longer, and potential buyers will be less likely to have an issue with these types of colors.

Beige, white and light grey are all modern choices that are excellent, but feel free to choose one wall or section to highlight with a bold pop of color.

What to do about the old cabinets?

One of the major concerns that most homeowners have, is the question of what to do with the old kitchen cabinets. These tend to feel outdated quite frequently, but they can be expensive to replace, and are often in a good enough condition.

At The HandyForce we are experienced with all types of renovations, from completely changing your kitchen cabinets, to rearranging the existing ones, or perhaps even painting the doors on your cabinets.

If you are in doubt, just remember that we are always available for a consultation in order to help you achieve the best possible kitchen, for an affordable price and within the deadline. So contact us today in order to learn more!

The benefits of the HomeCare Plan

Posted on

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

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

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

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

All inclusive and transparent pricing model

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

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

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

The same high quality of work as always

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

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

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

Protect your investment properly

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

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

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

What does the HomeCare Plan include?

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

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

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

Home Automation

Posted on

Have you ever left your home for an extended trip, and wondered whether you forgot to turn off the lights, or locked the door?

With home automation this now becomes a worry of the past, and with a smart home you will be able to keep track of and control every device and system in your home, whether you are there or not.

In this blog post we will cover some of the various things you can achieve with home automation, and provide explanations for everything, leaving you more knowledgeable and hopefully more interested by the end. Enjoy!

What can you achieve with a smart and automated home?

From simple things, such as being able to control your lighting fixtures from your smartphone, to more complex features such as using voice activated commands with Google’s or Apple’s services, the topic of home automation is broad, and covers a lot of different techniques and equipment.

Below we have mentioned some of our favorite uses in home automation, hopefully inspiring you for your next project.

Intelligent electricity usage

With the advance of technology, it has become possible to install smart electricity meters that provide a detailed overview of your electricity, gas and water consumption. This allows you to save money on your bills and keep up to date at any time.

But some systems also offer an advanced automated lighting and heating program, where the system is able to regulate the usage automatically, lowering the heat when possible, or turning off lights by itself.

Full control over outlets

One of the most popular features in an automated home is the smart outlets. By changing your regular outlets to these newer and more efficient ones, you will be able to control everything from the tip of your fingers, by using your smartphone or other device of your choice.

This also allows you to set up more advanced programs, such as automated wake up lights, that slowly turn on as you get out of bed, or perhaps even playing your favorite radio station or soundtrack.

Upgrade your security system

Another neat feature of home automation has to do with the security possibilities. You can automate and control your alarms, floodlights and camera surveillance, all from within your smartphone, as well as set up certain protocols or procedures that are triggered by certain things.

From turning off the sprinklers when motion is detected in the backyard, to automatically getting notifications with images of the cameras, there are countless smart and unique features available in this realm.

Everything combined into one smart system

And there are many other equally interesting avenues to pursue when it comes to home automation. But perhaps the single biggest advantage is that you are able to combine all these individual features into one compact package that you can control from the same app or software, making your life easier and more convenient.

From integrating your smart light fixtures, your electronic door locks, security cameras, kitchen appliances and water heater, you can experience the comfort of living in the 21st century, and even save money on your monthly bills and expenses. Pretty smart!

At HandyForce we love turning your old home into a smart one, and we take pride in inviting you and your house into the future with us, one project at a time.

So if you are interested in our services, or wish to learn more about the possibilities, feel free to contact us for a chat at any time!