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Tag: professional handyman

The Benefits of Custom Home Renovations

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Living in your home should feel great, no matter if the temperatures outside are soaring or plummeting, if you are doing chores or relaxing on the sofa. Custom home renovations are a great way to add some personality to your home, while also upgrading the comfort and value at the same time.

Some custom renovations completely change the feel and look of the home, while others focus on a single room. Regardless of your wishes, these specific types of efforts can help you feel more at ease, making it your own little paradise.

So in this article we will take a closer look at some of the different advantages and options you have when considering custom home renovations. Enjoy!

A personalized home to fit your every need

As opposed to a normal renovation, a custom home renovation entails making the space your own and catering to your specific needs and wishes.

Whether that means adding an outdoor spa, turning the unused attic into a home office, or creating a modern and functional open kitchen area is up to you. The only limit is your imagination, and of course budget.

By not just going for the standard choices, but really considering what you and your family needs, you can achieve something truly personal that fits like a glove and makes you feel as though you never want to leave.

Increased Home Value

As long as your custom home renovations are not solely for your own enjoyment, meaning that other people might appreciate them as well, then your efforts might be rewarded in terms of a higher value once selling your home.

Whether you remodel with an open floor plan, connecting the kitchen and dining room, or modernize the hardwood floors and floor panels, custom home renovations can be a profitable pursuit. Just keep in mind what other people are looking for as well, and if possible keep your renovations as timeless and with as wide an appeal as possible.

Can improve the safety and add peace of mind

Sometimes these custom home renovations are not just about adding personal touches, but instead adapting the space to fit the human needs we all have. Older generations might want to install different handrails, safeguards and other gear to help avoid painful falls, or at least provide an option to get back on your feet if an accident occurs.

Families with young children might wish to childproof their swimming pools, make the stairways safer to traverse and so on. These things can provide an ease of mind, leading to less stress and worry in the long run.

The whole idea of custom home renovations is to solve an issue or address a need particular to you and your loved ones, so while the suggestions are some common things, the possibilities are endless.

Enhance the aesthetic appeal

Other custom renovations of homes focus more on the visual aspect. Whether it is removing all the old wallpaper and replacing it with modern ones, or knocking down that annoying wall that once housed an old stove.

The benefits of spending some effort on upgrading the look of your home are many, and includes making your day a little brighter, creating a more enjoyable home, and even impressing the neighbors or potential buyers with your newly gained curb appeal.

About the many benefits of adding insulation

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With rising prices for warm water, electricity and gas, as well as growing concerns about our environment on a whole, there has never been a better time to consider insulating your home.

Especially in older homes, insulating can make a huge difference in your monthly bills, as well as your general health and comfort when living in a house that is warm year round, keeps the moisture out, and even has additional soundproofing and fire resistant properties.

So if you are interested in learning more about why insulating is considered one of the best investments you can make for your home, this blog post will get you up to speed with all the many benefits of insulation, as well as a few tips if you decide to move forward with the project.

Lowers your monthly expenses

In many cases you will be able to achieve significant savings on your electricity and water bills, by insulating exposed areas and padding the walls. The actual cost of insulating your home can often be drastically lower than the price you pay for installation, since you will reap the benefits of lower expenses for many years to come.

Combats the cold effectively

One of the major reasons people choose to insulate their homes, especially here in Canada, is due to the ever changing seasons, and especially winter. With temperatures dropping off near the end of summer, homeowners often prepare themselves for 5-7 months of cold weather.

But your home should always be your safe haven, and one of the best ways to make your home more comfortable is to ensure it is well insulated, so you can keep warm and cozy all year round.

Improves the value of the home

An often overlooked benefit of insulating a home or commercial property, is that you will effectively make the house more valuable when it becomes time to sell it on the market. People are willing to pay more for a properly insulated home, not just because of the lower heating bills, but equally so these days, because of the lower environmental impact the house has.

Provides a better indoor climate

A home that is not properly insulated will often be dealing with certain issues such as mold or rot. This is because when the colder air from the outside meets with the warmer air on the inside, a moisture barrier is created, and this can lead to serious health issues if not taken care of in time. Insulating your home helps keep you and your family safe and in good health.

Adds a layer of sound protection

Given the nature of insulating, it is only natural that an extra layer of material between the walls, or in the ceiling, will provide even more of a barrier for sound to travel through. This is a welcome additional benefit, especially in older homes there the sound can carry itself quite a distance.

Emits less greenhouse gas

A properly insulated home requires less heating and uses less electricity and or gas. This in turn leads to less of an impact in terms of the emitted CO2, thereby making the home more sustainable, as well as more desirable for the next generations.

The Best Home Renovations for Increasing Resale Value

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Whether you are looking to get the most resale value out of your old and beloved home, or simply wish to spend your money the wisest, certain home renovations are known to provide better returns than others.

In this article we will go over the very best types of home renovations you can perform, in order to set yourself up for success when selling your home. We have tailored this list specifically to a Canadian audience, but many of these renovations also do well in the US and Europe for instance. Enjoy!

1. Renovating your kitchen

Perhaps no other home renovation can provide as much resale value as the kitchen. This is after all one of the rooms in which families spend the most time awake. And no matter if you are only using the microwave, or cooking gourmet meals on a daily basis, having a nice, functional and presentable kitchen will certainly entice future buyers.

Not only will this mean that your overall home can see an increase in value, it will also be a top selling point that convinces potential homebuyers to choose your home over the others on the market. If you are unsure where to start, renovating the kitchen is always a sure thing.

2. Renovating your bathroom

Next on our list is the bathroom. Once again an updated bathroom that keeps in line with the modern aesthetics and has a timeless feel can add significant value to your home. Some ideas to consider include upgrading the fixtures, adding new tiles, and installing a modern shower or bathtub.

In Canada the trend has been moving towards larger bathrooms than in previous decades, so if you have room for it, consider adding some square footage where possible. This can make the bathroom feel inviting and luxurious, adding even more value to your home.

3. Energy efficient renovations

Gone are the days of wasteful excess. Today many Canadian homebuyers are increasingly interested in efficient features, such as windows, insulation, and heating systems. By renovating with a mind for sustainability and efficiency, you can achieve reduced energy costs and make your home more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.

4. Curb appeal

Spending some time on improving the curb appeal is important for making a good first impression on potential buyers, but be careful what you choose. Not all exterior projects provide the same levels of value.

A spa or pool will typically not increase the home value, and in some cases might even detract some value, or dissuade certain homebuyers due to the added upkeep and maintenance involved. Instead, you should consider adding universally useful features, such as a deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen, as well as refreshing your landscaping with new plants and flowers.

Final thoughts

Remember that not all renovations are created equal when it comes to adding resale value. Before you begin any major renovation projects, it can be a good idea to consult with a real estate professional in order to determine which upgrades are likely to yield the best return on investment for your specific market.

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 Future of Home Services: Owning a HandyForce Franchise

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

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

Why choose the home services industry

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

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

Becoming part of a success story

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

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

Tap into our existing goodwill

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

We invest in people

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

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

Access to our bespoke software

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

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

The Top Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

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

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

Not spending enough time on the budget

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

Doing the wrong things yourself

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

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

Forgetting the permits

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

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

Ignoring safety issues

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

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

Thinking all renovations add value

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

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

Underestimating the time or money required

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

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

The 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 Advantages of a Home Office Renovation

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

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

Adds to the value of the home

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

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

Can increase your productivity

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

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

Can also make your home greener

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

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

Can improve the function of the room

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

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

Can also enhance your creative energy

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

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

Why a Shark Tank Investor Endorses HandyForce

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

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

Our unique approach to the home services industry

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

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

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

We are different from the competition

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

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

We offer an unrivaled customer service experience

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

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

We professionally train our staff

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

Final thoughts

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

Click here to watch our interview with Kevin Harrington!