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Tag: professional handyman

The Role of Home Renovations in Increasing Property Value

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Many homeowners begin their home renovations without considering the effect it has on the property value. And while this can work if you plan on living in your home for the next 8+ years, in other cases you might be better off considering what potential homebuyers would like to purchase.

We have gathered some of our best tips and tricks to help you learn all about how your home renovation can increase your property value, and which things might best be ignored if your main focus is adding worth to your home. Enjoy!

Consider the regional trends in Canada

Before we get started, you should consider the area in which you are picking the style for.

Homeowners in the more urban areas of Canada could go for a more modern or contemporary style, possibly even a Scandinavian style. The buyers in these areas tend to be more internationally oriented and are actively looking for these styles.

Compare that to the more rural areas of the country, where a farmhouse style or more traditional interiors tend to do better. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but it can help looking at what other homes in your area have done, and you might even want to look at house listings to try and find a red thread between the different styles and home values.

Choose the right renovation

We have written another article on our blog, where we list some of the best types of renovations for increasing your property value. In short however, it all comes down to renovating the parts of your home that the largest amount of buyers are interested in.

Therefore kitchen and bathroom renovations tend to yield higher returns, compared to say basements or garages. Again this might vary depending on where in the country you live, so do your research before hiring contractors.

You might be well served by contacting a real estate agent, a home services company such as HandyForce, or other professionals that have the necessary experience and knowledge to provide competent guidance in this area.

Choose the right materials

No matter what room you are renovating, choosing too cheap, exotic or expensive materials can lead to a poor return. Striking a balance here is key to getting the most value for your investment.

If potential homebuyers notice that you have laminate flooring in the living room, they might make a mental note that they need to spend money on upgrading the flooring to hardwood, thus wanting a discount in the price.

The same goes for too exotic or expensive materials. These might look great as of right now, but homebuyers that are forward thinking might be concerned about the maintenance and cost of replacement.

Going green can help

We are not referring to painting your walls green, but rather renovating your home to be more energy efficient. By insulating your home, upgrading your windows to thicker glass, replacing old and worn doors and so on, you can improve the value dramatically of your home.

This is not just because these things result in lower monthly utility bills, but also because more and more buyers are looking for environmentally friendly and sustainable housing. And since this is not necessarily more expensive than alternative methods, this should be a priority for anyone looking to get the most value out of their renovations.

How to Maximize Space in Your Home Through Renovations

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

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

Do not rush your decision

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

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

Opening up the space

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

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

Consider dual purpose areas

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

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

Maximize the amount natural light

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

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

Build an extension to your home

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

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

The Most Popular Home Renovation Styles of the Year

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There are many avenues to take for homeowners looking to upgrade their home with a new and pleasing interior style. But there are countless styles to choose from, and because of the cost and time required, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to go for.

Regardless of whether you wish to begin on a complete overhaul of your entire home, or you are just looking to renovate your kitchen, knowing which styles and trends are popular at the moment can help in guiding your decision.

So we will be examining some of the most popular home renovation styles of the year, with a particular focus on the Canadian homeowners, where we will explore the different features of each style, as well as provide some general tips for anyone looking to renovate their home. Enjoy!

1. The modern style

This one might be the most difficult to actually pull off well. There are so many different interpretations of a modern interior, and so many pieces of furniture, types of wallpaper and hardware to choose from.

For this style you should consider elements such as metal, glass and concrete. The colors tend to be fairly bold but not colorful, so black and white are great options here. Ultimately, it all comes down to obtaining a balance and harmony between the different elements you add.

2. The rustic style

This style has seen a surge as of late, as it ties in well with the recycled and sustainable method of thinking. Here it is possible to achieve a relatively inexpensive look that offers plenty of charm, while also being environmentally friendly.

Whether you take this all the way to a rustic cabin feel, or simply choose a few beautiful and rustic pieces of furniture is up to you. If you love collecting and buying different individual pieces, then this style might be a great option, as you can mix and match as much as you like.

3. The Scandinavian style

This style is about more than just visiting IKEA and driving home with your car fully loaded. The Scandinavian style is a great choice for Canadian homes, as the climate in Scandinavia is quite similar to Canada.

The keywords here are light, neutral colors with a focus on minimalism and a few focus pieces to draw attention. As for color schemes we recommend white, gray and natural browns, with a few accent pieces in a bolder color for that popping contrast.

Considerations for homeowners

Before we sign off, it is important to understand that undertaking a home renovation is a significant investment that requires a lot of money and time.

Therefore, homeowners should carefully consider their goals, budget, and timeline before selecting a renovation style. Picking a style because it is popular in a given period, does not necessarily mean it will be popular a few years down the road.

So, if you intend on enjoying your renovations for years to come, then this will be less of an issue. But if you might be selling your home within 4-5 years, perhaps it might be better to pick a more timeless and traditional style.

Consider contacting us at HandyForce if you are looking for even more inspiration, a qualified contractor, or just wish to hear more about your possibilities. We are always available for a consultation.

Should you fix your drywall or let professionals handle it?

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

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

The basics of drywalling

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

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

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

Doing it yourself

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

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

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

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

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

Leaving it to professionals

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

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

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

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

The Benefits of Installing Smart Home Technology

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

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

List of popular smart home improvements

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

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

Ease of mind

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

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

Better security

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

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

A convenient home

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

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

What is required

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

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

How to Choose the Right Home Renovation Contractor

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

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

Browse your local area for potential candidates

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

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

Ensure they have the correct experience, licenses and insurance

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

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

Make a shortlist of the candidates

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

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

Approach the candidates

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

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

The Benefits of Home Renovations for Older Adults

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

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

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

Safety first

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

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

Comfort is important

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

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

Adapting to changing needs

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

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

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

Final thoughts

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

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

What Are the Items to Consider when Buying Handyman Franchises?

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Do you want to buy handyman franchises? Some franchises may provide various repair and maintenance services, while others may specialize in a particular field. There are a variety of project types, ranging from small adjustments to big, long-term operations.

These services mostly include but are not restricted to the following:

  • Painting services
  • Electrical installations
  • Gutter cleaning
  • Appliance installation and repair
  • Plumbing Repair
  • Roofing repairs
  • Drywall installation and repair
  • Flooring installation and repair
  • Carpentry services

3 Factors to Consider when Buying Handyman Franchise

Pay close attention to rules and regulations.

The home services franchising market is heavily reliant on adherence to several regulations. Bear in mind that despite the fact that the franchisor will be of tremendous assistance to you, it is ultimately your responsibility to comply with all of the laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to the area in which your franchise is situated.

There is a possibility that the standards for franchise systems will differ slightly from those of independent or non-franchised enterprises in the industry. Still, for the most part, they will be very similar.

For instance, potential franchisees in the home services industry may need to obtain particular construction or contractor licenses or permits like everyone else in the field. These requirements are standard across the board. Once more, the criteria for licenses and permits change depending on the laws, rules, and regulations that are in place in the area where the franchised business is situated.

Lack of Practical Experience? Not an Issue.

Lack of technological competence should not deter those interested in becoming franchisees. While looking for new franchisees, various franchise systems emphasize the technical abilities generally associated with franchises in this sector.

Most franchisees in this sector are responsible for handling the company’s marketing, sales, and office requirements, in addition to monitoring a team of contractors or staff who are responsible for completing the jobs themselves instead of getting on the physical labor themselves.

For example, some franchise businesses favor franchisees with no prior expertise in the field and who come from various backgrounds. In addition to possessing a solid work ethic and a high level of professionalism, prospective franchisees should have a friendly demeanor and pleasure in cultivating relationships with their clients and business associates.

Investigate the distinctive necessities of your region.

Regarding the need for services, not all regions are created equal. There are regional differences in the industry, and the demand for goods and services might range from somewhat strong to extremely strong. In some regions, most business comes from the construction of brand-new homes, but in other regions, most of our business comes from home renovations.

Carry out some studies to establish (a) which services are required in your region and (b) who would constitute your ideal customer base. In addition, think about whether or not that market will be viable in the future.

Conclusion

If you want to buy a handyman franchise, you need to bear in mind the requirements of your area, practical experience, and regulations.

The Importance of Regular Home Maintenance

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Once you buy your first home, you realize that you will never be bored again. There is always something to fix, upgrade or change in a home. Home maintenance is a topic most of us have some level of experience with, but few think about how important it really is.

So in this article we would like to direct your attention towards some of the main reasons why you should never ignore signs of wear and tear, and why regular home maintenance is so crucial. Enjoy!

Keeping dry and warm

Canadian homes are susceptible to roof damage due to the harsh weather conditions in many parts of the country. Thus regular maintenance and inspections can help detect and repair small issues, before they become major problems that will force you to take drastic measures.

Preventing water damage

Unfortunately it is not just the roofs that can suffer from the weather in Canada. Everything from the basement, windows and door openings can also leak water if not maintained properly. And water damage can be an expensive issue to fix once it has taken root.

Avoiding issues with the HVAC

As you know, the Canadian winters can be harsh for our homes. Thus it is essential to have a heating system that works when you need it. You should regularly maintain your HVAC system in order to ensure you can always turn on the heat to avoid mold and humidity issues.

Protecting against pests

Depending on where in the country you live, Canadian homes are vulnerable to certain types of pests, especially during the colder months. Regular pest control and prevention measures can help keep your home safe from infestations.

And on the topic of pests, a regular inspection will also identify whether you have critters gnawing away at your insulation or wiring, hopefully before the problem becomes too severe.

Improving the indoor air quality

Proper air filtration and ventilation can help improve indoor air quality, which is especially important for those with allergies or respiratory issues. HandyForce can provide air duct cleaning services to remove dust, dirt, and other debris from your HVAC system, improving indoor air quality.

Increases the property value

Regular home maintenance helps to maintain the value of your property. When you eventually decide to sell your home, the condition of your property will significantly impact the selling price.

By keeping up with the regular maintenance, you can ensure that your home is in top condition and can command the highest possible price when it becomes time to sell on the market. You will also have a better conscience, knowing that you left the new homeowners in a good starting position.

Reduces the repair costs

By keeping your home well maintained you can also fix issues before they turn into larger projects that require expensive materials and weeks or months of contractors. As with many things in life, it is often best to act as soon as possible, and by catching potential issues early, you can thus save money in the long run.

Saves time and stress

Last but not least, if you are regularly maintaining your home you will also save time in the long run. By fixing issues while they are small and insignificant, you avoid the larger projects, or at the very least postpone them significantly.

This will also lead to less stress, as you will not have to worry about the upcoming snowstorm, as you will feel more comfortable and confident, knowing that everything is in good working order.

The Benefits of Green Home Renovations

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

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

Achieve a better indoor environment

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

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

Reduce the amount of water used

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

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

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

Making life better for the wildlife

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

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

Allows for passive cooling and heating

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

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

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