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Tag: installation

Cozy and Safe: Winter Maintenance Tips for Inside Your Home

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As the temperature drops, your home’s interior becomes a retreat from the cold. To keep it comfortable and safe, it’s essential to tackle a few key maintenance tasks. Below are some tips to ensure your home is ready for the winter season, with help from The HandyForce.

1. Check and Replace Weatherstripping

Drafts can make your home feel chilly and increase heating costs. Inspect the weatherstripping around doors and windows. If it’s cracked or peeling, replace it. The HandyForce offers professional weatherproofing services to ensure your home stays snug.

2. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With increased use of heating systems and fireplaces, ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Replace batteries and test each unit. The HandyForce can assist in installing or replacing detectors for your peace of mind.

3. Inspect Heating Vents and Radiators

Blocked vents or radiators can make your heating system work harder than necessary. Vacuum away dust and clear furniture from blocking airflow. If adjustments or minor repairs are needed, The HandyForce is here to help.

4. Seal Interior Cracks and Gaps

Cold air can seep through gaps in walls, around light fixtures, or near baseboards. A quick caulking job can solve the problem and improve insulation. The HandyForce specializes in caulking services to keep your home energy-efficient.

5. Prepare Your Plumbing

Cold weather can lead to burst pipes, even indoors. Insulate pipes in unheated areas and consider installing pipe sleeves. If you’re unsure where to start, The HandyForce can evaluate your plumbing and provide winter-readiness solutions.

Preparing your home’s interior for winter is a simple way to enjoy a cozy, worry-free season. The HandyForce is ready to assist with all your indoor maintenance needs. Contact us today to keep your home warm, safe, and efficient all winter long!

Winter-Proof Your Home: Essential Maintenance Tips

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As the winter months approach, ensuring your home is prepared for the colder weather is key to comfort, safety, and cost-efficiency. Many homeowners overlook simple maintenance tasks that can save significant money and prevent potential disasters. Let’s look at a few essential steps to winter-proof your home, with a focus on services The HandyForce can assist with to make this process seamless.

1. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors are a leading cause of heat loss, increasing your energy bills and making your home less comfortable. Conduct a thorough inspection of your windows and doors to identify gaps or cracks where cold air can seep in. While DIY weatherstripping is an option, it can sometimes be a temporary fix. The HandyForce offers professional caulking and weatherstripping services, ensuring a tight seal that lasts through the harshest winters.

Properly sealing these areas not only keeps your home warm but also reduces wear and tear on your heating system, which no longer has to work overtime to maintain a consistent temperature.

2. Clean and Inspect Gutters

During winter, clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, where melting snow refreezes at the roof’s edge. Ice dams can cause water to back up under your shingles, leading to leaks and significant water damage inside your home. Before the first snow, make sure to clean out leaves, dirt, and debris from your gutters. Check for sagging sections or leaks that might exacerbate issues when heavy ice or snow accumulates.

If climbing a ladder isn’t your idea of fun—or safety—The HandyForce can handle your gutter cleaning and repair needs, ensuring proper drainage and safeguarding your roof against winter hazards.

3. Inspect Your Furnace and Heating Systems

Your furnace or heating system is your home’s lifeline during winter, so it’s important to check that it’s in good working condition. Replace air filters and consider scheduling a professional tune-up to ensure maximum efficiency. Poorly maintained furnaces not only work harder (costing more) but can also fail when you need them most.

Though The HandyForce focuses on handyman services, they can coordinate trusted professionals in their network to assist with your HVAC needs. Having a team you trust takes the guesswork out of finding reliable help.

4. Protect Your Plumbing

Frozen pipes are a common winter hazard, but they’re entirely preventable. Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas, like basements, attics, or garages. Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior water valves to prevent freezing. For an added layer of protection, The HandyForce can assist in insulating your pipes and performing a general winter-readiness check around your home.

5. Prepare for Winter Storms

Finally, stock up on essentials like salt, sand, and shovels for snow removal. If you have a generator, test it now to ensure it’s functioning properly. Clear pathways around your property to avoid accidents during icy conditions.

Winter-proofing your home is an investment in comfort and peace of mind. Many of these tasks might seem small but can have a big impact on how your home handles the winter months. Whether it’s sealing drafts, cleaning gutters, or prepping plumbing, The HandyForce is ready to help you tackle your home maintenance needs. Get in touch today to ensure your home is prepared for whatever winter throws your way!

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

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

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

Insulation

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

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

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

Green Energy

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

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

Electrical Appliances and Lighting

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

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

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

Water Consumption

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Kitchen

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

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

The Bathroom

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

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

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

General Issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kitchen Renovation Dos and Don’ts: Expert Advice

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When renovating your kitchen to achieve the look you have always dreamed of, there are many things to consider to ensure the final result is perfect. From choosing the correct fittings to ensuring that the kitchen cabinets match the hardware you choose, many decisions will need to be made.

At the same time, there are also many potential pitfalls, as we can often become blindsided by unexpected costs or structural issues that suddenly emerge once we start removing parts of the old kitchen. So today, we will examine the most important things to consider when renovating. Enjoy!

Do Plan Ahead

It is easy to be tempted to purchase that kitchen sink you have fallen in love with, but we highly recommend that you hold off on purchasing any expensive items until you have completed a budget for all the expenses, from materials to potential contractors.

Not everyone loves planning, but it can be the most important factor when it comes to getting your dream kitchen. It can help ensure that you pick and choose the right elements that not only go well together but also fit your budget and space requirements.

After all, what good is that kitchen sink if you can not find a kitchen counter that matches it properly? Or what if you suddenly run out of money halfway through and are left for months with a messy kitchen that only partly works until you save enough money for the plumber to connect everything?

If you need help planning your kitchen layout, picking the right elements, or hiring professional contractors to install your fittings, consider contacting us at The HandyForce. We are always available for a consultation to discuss your options.

Do Not Ignore Quality Products

While not everyone will be buying the most expensive products for their kitchen, there is something to be said when choosing quality products compared to the cheapest versions.

Most of us use our kitchen multiple times every single day, and as such, it is important that every functional element can withstand wear and tear, and will stay in working order for years to come.

Quality products often have a longer lifespan and a better feel, but sometimes, you can make do with the cheaper versions as well. So do your research to find out where you can save some money and where to spend a little more.

Do Not Forget Lighting

It is fun to pick out the kitchen cabinets and appliances, but we often forget about lighting fixtures. This is a big mistake, as a kitchen that is not well lit will feel depressing, and in some cases, it might even lead to an unfortunate accident.

We recommend that you set aside some money in your planning stage for lighting fixtures, and spend some time considering your options. If you have plenty of natural lighting coming in your kitchen you can do without as many lights, but in other cases you might need to ensure the entire kitchen can be fully lit.

Do Focus On Storage

What good is a kitchen if it can not comfortably hold all your utensils, pots and pans, and other bits and pieces you have collected over the years? Consider the amount of storage in your current kitchen and any items you might be storing elsewhere in your home that would fit better in the kitchen cabinets.

A good rule of thumb is that you should have at least one or two cabinets available for any future purchases or gifts coming your way. This way, you can avoid throwing out that one piece you use on rare occasions to make room for something else.

Inexpensive Renovations with a Dramatic Impact on Life Quality

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Not all renovations are designed to improve the value of your home or fix broken structural elements. Sometimes the most impactful transformations are those that enhance your daily life without draining your wallet.

In this article, we will explore a range of budget-friendly renovation ideas that have the power to elevate your living space and boost your overall quality of life. From simple decluttering strategies to creative repurposing projects, discover how minor changes can lead to a more harmonious and inspiring home environment. Enjoy!

Declutter with Custom Built-In Storage

An effective way to improve your living experience in your home is to declutter. Custom built-in storage units are an excellent way of making that happen in the most organic and natural way, since these functional additions maximize your space and help keep clutter at bay. By clearing out unused items you can create a sense of openness. In turn, this will make your home feel more spacious and organized.

While it might seem daunting to build these custom storage units yourself, professional handymen can work their magic by creating custom solutions tailored to your needs, that look and fit just right.

We recommend that you consider any underutilized nooks or corners, and add some built-in shelving, cabinets, or closets. These additions not only maximize storage but also enhance the visual appeal of your rooms. This way your space can stay organized and visually pleasing, even on a budget.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Small energy-efficient changes can make a significant impact on both your living environment and your utility bills. These upgrades are not only great for your wallet, but they also contribute to a more sustainable home and a better indoor climate.

Installing a programmable thermostat gives you greater control over the temperature of your home, while also maximizing efficiency. This way you can set schedules to lower the heat or coolness when you and your family is away, optimizing energy usage without compromising comfort. At The Handyforce we can help you install and program these thermostats to align with your daily routines, making your home more efficient and comfortable.

Functional Kitchen Enhancements

Replacing cabinet hardware is a simple yet effective way to refresh the appearance of your kitchen. Swap out any outdated knobs and pulls with modern alternatives that match your design preferences. Professional handymen can ensure proper installation of completely new units as well, ensuring your cabinets a polished and cohesive look.

You can also enhance the visual appeal by adding a backsplash. Today there are quite a few cost-effective materials available on the market, such as peel-and-stick tiles or laminate panels. If you have a bit more money in your budget, then skilled handymen can handle the installation process, ensuring precise alignment and a seamless finish. A well-chosen backsplash instantly transforms your kitchen’s atmosphere without a hefty price tag.

Bathroom Refresh

Finally, we also recommend that you revitalize your bathroom without a major overhaul, by focusing on small but impactful changes that elevate both aesthetics and functionality.

One of the most effective ways to do so, is to update your bathroom’s fixtures by replacing old faucets, showerheads, and hardware. Here you should choose modern designs that match your style and create a cohesive look. If you are unsure of how to proceed with these projects, our professional handymen can ensure proper installation, preventing leaks and ensuring that your new fixtures enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.

They can also help by giving your bathroom a facelift with a fresh coat of paint in a calming hue. Then you simply need to enhance the new color palette with coordinated accessories like towels, shower curtains, and artwork. These small changes work together to create a revitalized and harmonious bathroom space.

The Advantages of Energy Efficient Home Renovations

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

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

Lower energy bills

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

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

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

A more comfortable home

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

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

Helping our planet

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

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

It will increase the value of the home

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

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

The Pros and Cons of Open-Concept Home Renovations

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A growing number of homebuyers are looking for homes with an open-concept design, and the number of homeowners renovating their homes to accommodate for this trend is also surging in Canada. And for good reason too.

These open-concepts make it easy to cook dinner, while still keeping an eye on the children or guests, or moving freely from the dining room onto the more comfortable seating that the living room provides, without opening or closing doors.

In this article we will examine all you need to know about the pros and cons of open-concept home renovations, in order for you to decide whether this is something you wish to pursue as well. Enjoy!

The most common types of open-concepts

Opening up the space between the kitchen and dining room is probably what most people think of when they hear the term open-concept. This is because it is the most popular design in Canadian homes. It typically involves removing the wall that separates the kitchen and living room, creating one large space for cooking, dining, and entertainment.

But there are other types as well, such as combining the living room and dining room. This design similarly involves removing a wall, but this time between the living room and dining room to create one large space. This can make the area more spacious and better suited for gatherings and parties.

Some homeowners have gone a step further, and combined these two concepts, thus removing all the walls between the kitchen, living room, and dining room. This creates an even larger space, where entire families can socialize, while still focusing on their individual tasks or pastimes.

The benefits of an open-concept design

  • Easier access to the different areas
  • Better natural lighting options
  • More desirable for prospective buyers
  • Better use of the space
  • More options with regards to activities

The disadvantages of an open-concept design

  • Can result in a lack of privacy
  • Can result in a more noisy environment
  • Lack of defined areas
  • Storage can be an issue
  • Requires more heating and cooling

The process of creating an open-concept design

One of the most time consuming parts of these designs is removing the walls. Especially so if they are load bearing, meaning you will have to support the structure of the home in other ways. It can also sometimes require you to obtain permits before beginning the work.

Most types of floors will also need some adjusting afterwards, to account for the newly opened space that previously was blocked by the walls.

For hardwood floors this can lead to obvious transitions, and it can be somewhat difficult to hide the fact that you have added new flooring in certain areas.

Sometimes you will also need to move electrical outlets and wiring, as well as plumbing pipes and heating panels.

Luckily, these things are not as difficult as they sound, and a skilled contractor like HandyForce that has plenty of experience, will be able to make the open-concept design look as though it was always there.

If you are looking to learn more about a possible renovation project involving an open-concept design, we would be more than happy to help advise and guide you through the process. Contact us today for more information!

The Importance of Proper Home Lighting

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Lighting is a critical component of any home. Especially so in Canada where the colder months are filled with gray weather and skies clouding the sun out. Good lighting not only illuminates our living space but also enhances the aesthetic appeal and sets the mood of the environment.

And on top of that, proper home lighting can also have a positive impact on our mood and mental health. By ensuring you have adequate natural and artificial lighting throughout your home, you can thus set yourself up for success and a more enjoyable life.

In this article, we will discuss some of the important reasons for installing good lighting in your home, and how it can affect your daily life. Enjoy!

Helping with your sleep

Having proper lighting goes a long way in ensuring we keep a positive outlook in our daily lives. Both natural and artificial light can have a big impact on your circadian rhythms, meaning you could experience issues with falling asleep, or waking up too often during the night, if your lighting is not effectively helping you recharge your energy levels and regulate your internal clock.

Combating seasonal disorders

At the same time, here in Canada where the winter months can be long and dark, many people experience seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. This disorder can drain your energy levels, impact your mood for the worse, and in general cause a mental state of depression. This typically happens when we go from fall to winter, but it could happen at any time of the year.

Ensuring a comfortable working environment

If you are working from home, it is also important to consider the risk of eye strain, fatigue and other related symptoms caused by poor or inadequate lighting. With an increasing number of Canadians working from home, this is more relevant now than ever as poor lighting can even affect your overall productivity and induce headaches.

Keeps the homeowners safe

Whether you are living alone, with small children or your retired spouse, lighting is also crucial in staying free of accidents. Poor lighting leads to an increase in accidents such as falls, cuts and other injuries. By ensuring your fixtures output an adequate amount of light, you can effectively make your home a safer place to be for everyone visiting or living there.

Ways in which you can upgrade your lighting at home

There are many different methods to choose from, depending on your specific needs. We have gathered a short list of some of the most common options that homeowners choose, so hopefully you will find some inspiration here.

  • Adding more light sources can help distribute light more evenly and reduce shadows.
  • Installing dimmer switches allows you to adjust the brightness of your lighting to fit your needs and save energy.
  • Different types of light bulbs can produce different color temperatures. Some are more suitable for reading and working, while others are for doing chores.
  • Maximizing the natural light in a room can help reduce the need for artificial lighting and create a more pleasant atmosphere.
  • Smart lighting systems allow you to control your lighting from a mobile device, voice assistant, or home automation hub.
  • Replacing outdated or ineffective light fixtures can significantly improve the quality of your lighting.

If you are unsure about the best approach to obtaining proper lighting, consider contacting us. At HandyForce we are always available for a consultation, and we can provide recommendations and even perform the required work all together.

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.