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The Importance of Proper Home Lighting

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

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

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 Benefits of Upgrading Your Home’s Insulation

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.

3 Tips and tricks for renovating your kitchen

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

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

Why you should use a Handyman from The HandyForce

Since our company began back in 2010, we have had countless clients, projects and experiences to help shape our mission and expertise into what it is today. And we are proud of the many satisfied customers that each year choose a handyman from our company to help make their dream projects become reality.

So in this article we would like to take a moment and explain just what benefits we offer, what services we can help out with, and why you can feel comfortable and safe in choosing us for your next project. Enjoy!

Skilled personnel

No matter the project or industry, skilled workers are in high demand because of their quality results. And this is no different at The HandyForce. Our employees are not only professional tradesmen, they are also friendly and highly experienced in their field.

This means you are guaranteed a great experience for every project, no matter the scope or duration, and we take pride in matching the best people for the job on an individual basis.

Quality comes first

When working on a project, we understand that you have put a significant amount of faith and trust in us. That is something we are extremely appreciative of, and therefore we always do our utmost in order to ensure a quality result, every single time.

Therefore we will never cut corners, use the cheaper materials, or in any other way compromise the quality or integrity of the work we perform. In short, we handle every project as if it were our own, and we are not satisfied until our customers are.

That is our guarantee for some of the best work in Ontario and the surrounding areas!

No subcontractors

In order to ensure everything is done above board, that quality is at the forefront of every project, and that every worker is proficient and skilled, we never hire subcontractors to help us on our projects.

While we might be able to cut some costs this way, we fear that it might put the quality or customer experience at risk, and by only using our own staff and personnel, we also ensure that we always have a complete overview and control of the project, from start to finish.

Everything is done in-house

By keeping everything in-house, from our employees, our administration and various other assignments, we ensure that we also learn from every project we complete. This means that we know exactly where everything and everyone is at all times, allowing us to accurately schedule your project from start to finish.

There is always something new to be learned, and by sharing it internally in our company, we continually develop new techniques and strategies, as well as keep our employees relevant and updated on the latest methods and principles.

We hope you have learned why The HandyForce is considered one of the best companies in the business, and that you are now ready to take the next step and contact us for a quick consultation about your needs. We’re always available for a chat about your project, so don’t wait – contact us now!

The benefits of a full-time Project Manager

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

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

About project management

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

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

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

Keeping a watchful eye and planning ahead

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

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

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

The anchor of the operation provides ease of mind

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

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

Minimizing the risks

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

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

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

Tile installation

At HandyForce we have many years of experience with tiling residential homes as well as commercial properties. This has led us to identify some common issues that people tend to have, as well as learn what concerns and questions people typically worry about.

So in order to make your next tiling project as smooth and painless as possible, we have created this short guide to get you up to speed with everything relating to tile installation. Enjoy!

Briefly about tiles

There are many benefits to using tiling in your own home, rental property, or even office  space. Tiles have a relatively long lifespan, and they can easily be cleaned and made to look as if new again.

We use tiles in many places in our homes, from the protective layers of tiles covering the wet areas in the bathroom, used as flooring or on countertops, or for lining our kitchen walls with tiles that provide a great look and even better hygiene.

At the same time, people have a large selection of materials to choose from, allowing everyone to find something that matches their personal tastes perfectly. Some of the most popular types of tiles include:

  • Ceramics
  • Porcelain
  • Glass
  • Steel
  • Mosaics

While there are other types of tiles, like marble, inlaid ones and more, the above are the most common, due to their relatively low cost, ease of installation, and long lasting properties.

How to get the best prices for tile installation contractors

If you are at a point where you know that you need help with your tile installation, then researching a few different companies is a great first step. By looking at what the different companies in your area have to offer, you might be able to limit your options already.

Of course the cost is a major concern that many people have, but it is important to be aware that an incorrectly done job can lead to future damage, and even hide certain structural issues as well.

Therefore, money should only be part of the overall equation when finding your next contractor for tile installation. You should also remember that the types of tiles can have a large impact on the overall cost for the project, so you should always be able to find something that matches your budget, while still looking great.

Arguably more important than the price, is the quality of work the contractors are able to deliver. At HandyForce we are proud to offer some of the best services in our area, due to our skilled and friendly workers that are educated and experienced in all types of tiling needs.

We are also aware that incorrect tiling can lead to health issues in certain areas, lower home valuations and other critical aspects, which is why we only deliver results of the highest quality, no matter the project.

Contacting one or more companies in order to get a quote can be a good next step, allowing you to hear more about what options you have available, as well as get a good feel of the type of people working in a given company.

What is a “Premier” renovation

No two companies are the same. And at The HandyForce we fully believe that. In fact, we have a few unique policies and services of our own, such as our comforting One Year Guarantee, as well as an extended HomeCare Plan that makes it easy and convenient to be a homeowner.

Why not for everyone?

Unlike most other contractors, when it comes to our Premier Renovation services, we only work with clients we already have a relationship with. This might seem odd at first glance, but it is our way of ensuring a successful project every time, since this way we will know our client, their preferences and their levels of expectation.

Put another way, once we know you, we also know whether we will be able to deliver a result that is more than satisfactory, and we will know what it takes to achieve that.

For us, few things are more important than customer satisfaction, worker safety being one of them, which is why we prefer establishing a certain level of trust and relationship with our clients before completely changing their bathroom or remodeling their kitchen.

After all, these changes are rather permanent and expensive, which makes the need for perfection at first try even more important than usual.

Our different Premier Services

We offer extensive renovation services to our previous clients in three different categories: The basement, the bathroom and the kitchen.

For each of these areas in the house, we have skilled tradesmen with years of experience and a professional education, to ensure every project is completed in full compliance of any local or regional regulations or laws, and to ensure the quality is as good as possible.

Bathroom, Basement & Kitchen renovations

These areas are some of the most used rooms in every household, and also areas that needs to serve many different purposes.

From the kitchen being a safe space for the entire family where they can enjoy each other’s company while eating dinner, offering a quick and easy midnight glass of ice cold water, to the basement providing enough space for having guests over, these rooms need to be functional, but also inviting and beautiful.

A great basement not only serves its purpose, but also helps create a certain mood and atmosphere, whether you use it to house your teenage child, or perhaps just for storage.

Having a beautiful kitchen will not only make basic chores feel more manageable, but also help sell your home in case you decide to move.

Most prospective home buyers look at the kitchens and bathrooms as some of the major points of concern and interest. Everybody needs a functioning kitchen or bathroom, and at the same time as trends change, so do our tastes in design and decor.

At The HandyForce we can help shape and build your new kitchen, basement or bathroom, to not only fit your everyday needs, but also ensure you will get the best possible value for your money, whether you sell your house or use the rooms yourself.