Month: December 2023

• By Dylan Smith
• In Uncategorized

Light Up Your Basement Oasis

A well-lit basement can transform your underground space from drab to fab, from merely functional to absolutely fabulous. In today’s post, we’re shining a light on Basement Lighting Magic to give you bright ideas for creating a welcoming space.

Why Focusing on Basement Lighting Matters?

The right lighting not only illuminates your basement but also enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it a space where you want to spend time.

The Importance of Layered Lighting

If you think a couple of ceiling lights will suffice for your basement, think again. Layered lighting is where the magic really happens. It involves:

• Task Lighting for specific activities
• Accent Lighting to highlight features
• Ambient Lighting for general illumination

Spotlight on Task Lighting

Whether it’s a crafting station or a home office, targeted task lighting can make all the difference. Opt for:

• Adjustable desk lamps
• Under-cabinet lights
• Bright, focused LEDs

Accent Lighting: The Art of Highlighting

Accent lighting allows you to spotlight specific elements in your basement, such as artwork or architectural features. Consider:

• Track lighting
• Wall sconces
• Picture lights

Ambient Lighting: Setting the Mood

Sometimes you just want to set a relaxing atmosphere. For that, ambient lighting like the following works wonders:

• Soft, diffused ceiling lights
• Dimmable LED strips
• Floor and table lamps

At Utah Basement Finishing, we know the value of well-executed lighting. Our team of experts can help you plan and implement a lighting scheme that brightens your basement and your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of light bulbs are best for basements?
   • LED bulbs are energy-efficient and offer a wide range of color temperatures.
2. Can I install smart lighting in my basement?
   • Yes, smart lighting systems are versatile and can be integrated into basements easily.
3. How much lighting do I really need?
   • The amount of lighting depends on the size of the space and its intended function.
4. Is natural light important in a basement?
   • While it’s a bonus, you can mimic natural light using the right artificial lighting options.
5. How do I start a lighting renovation for my basement?
   • Begin by assessing your needs and consulting professionals for the best solutions.

Conclusion: A Well-Lit Future Awaits Your Basement

A basement with the right lighting becomes a space where comfort meets functionality. Ready to light up your life? Contact us today at 801-515-3473 or fill out our online form to get started.

We are grateful to every homeowner who trusted our team with their kitchen remodel this past year, we loved bringing your visions to life! Looking back at the year, we’re sharing a few of our favorite kitchen remodels to inspire you as you plan your future kitchen.

OUR TOP KITCHEN REMODELS OF 2023:

#10: MOODY LAKE IN THE HILLS LUXURY

Mike & Donna’s Lake in the Hills kitchen remodel was one of our field crew’s favorite projects this year. The moody material mix, custom range hood, and accent lighting are a few of our favorite features in this kitchen. While not every kitchen layout needs major adjustments, this project included a much-needed layout reconfiguration. See more of this luxury kitchen remodel here.

#9: OPEN-CONCEPT IN PALATINE

Many of our clients this year were looking for their kitchen to be lighter and brighter without feeling stark or cold. Erika and Kevin of Palatine were one of these clients – and their new kitchen and bar is a fantastic example of the warm, bright, inviting feeling that many homeowners want in their kitchens today. See more of this remodel here.

#8: BASEMENT KITCHENETTE IN LAKE BARRINGTON

If you are looking for inspiration as you plan your dream basement, make sure you save this basement kitchenette to your inspiration board. Complete with a beverage fridge, dishwasher, sink, and plenty of storage, this kitchen space is ideal for hosting. Remi, our clients’ Bernedoodle, certainly thinks so! See more of this project here.

#7: CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS

Part of a whole home remodel, this sleek kitchen is on the more modern side, and we love it! Walls were knocked down (and the layout completely reworked) to connect the kitchen, dining, and living room spaces, a and skylight was added for more natural lighting. This home’s transformation is definitely one not to miss! Check it out here.

#6: FAMILY-FUNCTIONAL PINGREE GROVE KITCHEN

With their growing family in need of a more functional kitchen, we partnered with Josh and Elise of Pingree Grove to give a kitchen uniquely fit for their family. By adding island seating space for the kids, a coffee bar for mom and dad, and a dry bar for hosting friends and family, their kitchen flow is seamless. We love the blue and brown cabinetry combo in their home! See more of their project here.

#5: SPACIOUS BARRINGTON KITCHEN

It’s hard not to love a classic combination like black and white when it comes to bath remodels. This charming master bath in Tower Lakes feels timeless but trendy at the same time, we hope Jen & Blair enjoy it for many years! See more of this space here.

#4: ST. CHARLES OUTDOOR KITCHEN

“Grilling season” isn’t just during warmer months for these St. Charles homeowners, they can comfortably grill out year round with their beautiful new outdoor kitchen! This kitchen is located mere steps away from their back door with covered grilling access. See more of this project here.

#3: GREEN CABINETRY IN HAMPSHIRE

We love when clients go bold with color in their remodel, and this Eucalyptus green hue from Medallion Cabinetry turned out beautifully in this Hampshire kitchen. Our client loves how the green pairs with the natural wood in her home. See the before and after of this project here.

#2: BULL VALLEY BLUE & WHITE KITCHEN

Julie and Jon partnered with our team this year to complete an extensive first floor remodel in their Bull Valley home. The kitchen was at the heart of the remodel, with walls torn down to open their kitchen into the living room and create a space where their friends and family could gather together comfortably. We enjoyed partnering with them and love how their spaces came together! See this project transformation here.

#1: MULTI-INTERIOR TRANSFORMATION IN ST. CHARLES

We would love for your kitchen remodel to be on our 2024 highlights list next year! If you’re ready to have a beautiful kitchen of your own, we’re here to help. Call us at 847-836-2600 or schedule a meeting with one of our designers to get started.

The kitchen is where meals are prepared, coffee is made, parties are hosted, and families gather – it needs to be a welcoming place. But, it also needs to be a highly-functional space. Therefore, when you set out on your kitchen remodel, consider implementing the following strategies for a well-designed kitchen that can support life’s many activities.

Artisan Kitchens & Renovations Inc in Calgary offer beautiful and functional kitchen renovations. Here they share four strategies for a well-designed kitchen.

1. Make the layout functional

Above all, you need a layout that works for you. You should be able to prepare food, cook, make coffee, and perform other kitchen tasks easily and efficiently. Part of this requires designing for the working triangle (also known as the golden triangle). It should be easy to get between the fridge, sink, and stove. Furthermore, implement a layout that works with the shape of your kitchen. This allows you to get the most counter space and cabinet storage out of your unique space.

2. Consider the flow of foot traffic

As mentioned, if there is one essential element of kitchen design, it is the working triangle. The ease with which you move from fridge to sink and from sink to stove can make or break your kitchen. Foot traffic should flow through your kitchen. You should not feel restricted or blocked, by an open fridge door, for example, while trying to get around. This also means walkways should be wide enough for you and guests to quickly move through the space. Furthermore, it’s helpful to separate workstations from socializing areas. That way, supervisors won’t get in the way of the chef! A kitchen island is an excellent way of achieving this.

3. Customise your island

Is your island another food preparation station, a study area, or a place for socializing? Will you be eating on the island? Or is it the ideal spot for the kitchen sink? Answering these questions will help determine the function of your kitchen island. The function then guides design elements such as the amount of counter space, storage, and lighting. Learn more about correctly sizing your kitchen island.

4. Prioritise counter space

Insufficient counter space can turn meal prep into a nightmare. If a lot of cooking goes on in your kitchen, opt for extra counter space if possible. However, if microwave dinners or take-out are more your things, less counter space might be acceptable. That being said, your kitchen should also be able to grow with you through different stages of life. So, it’s a good idea to always include more counter space than you think you need.

Kitchen Renovations in Calgary

Artisan Kitchens & Renovations Inc specialize in high-quality, beautiful, and functional residential renovations. They offer kitchen, bathroom, and total home remodelling services in Calgary. Their accomplished design team will help you create the home of your dreams! Artisan Kitchens & Renovations guarantees customer satisfaction and provides a 5-year warranty on all cabinets.

Contact Artisan Kitchens & Renovations today or visit their Calgary showroom!

Waterproofing paints promise to be a quick fix for basement waterproofing problems. From store displays at big-box home improvement stores to TV commercials for miracle cure-alls like Flex Seal, hundreds of products promise to fix damp basements at a fraction of the cost of a proper basement drainage system.

The claims of these products are often exaggerated at best, with little in the way of guarantees or warranty protection. With an estimate for a French drain or sump pump installation in hand, a $150 bucket of waterproofing paint might suddenly seem like a great idea.

In reality, spreading these snake-oil products on a basement wall can be one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner could ever make.  Keep reading to see why you shouldn’t waste your time or money trying to waterproof a basement with these products.

Waterproofing Paint Doesn’t Target the Real Problem

When a basement completely floods, it’s easy to see that better drainage is needed. But for less severe moisture issues, many homeowners incorrectly blame the walls themselves for the issue, when the problem is the soil behind them.

Homeowners often turn to waterproof paint when their walls grow moist to the touch and they fear mold or mildew will soon follow.

Water follows predictable patterns. It always tracks the path of least resistance, from higher ground to lower ground. Natural hydraulic force can either work for or against your home. If the water table is near or above the lowest level of your home, gravity will force it through the porous concrete walls.

Under pressure from thousands of tons of soil, groundwater will force its way into the lowest point. Without drainage, this lowest point is likely your basement. Waterproof paint won’t stop the water from getting into your foundation-it will only hide how much moisture is really there. Once the paint fails–and it will fail—water damage like efflorescence and mold will spread on the surface of your walls.

To really target the problem, water must be diverted somewhere else. French drains use gravity and piping to carry the water away from your home, while sump systems use an electric pump to drain excess water that collects in a miniature well away from your basement. Either system is a real, permanent solution to moisture management. Waterproofing paint is just a band-aid.

Why “Waterproof” Walls Cause More Water Damage

This might sound counterintuitive, but there is a reason most contractors talk about “moisture management” and not “waterproofing”. There are definitely some places that should be waterproof, like boats and swimming pools. Walls aren’t one of those things.

Brick or concrete may look solid, but it’s actually a porous material that absorbs moisture. Unless your home is in the desert, there should be some moisture naturally within the concrete, changing with the humidity of the air within and around your home.

Painting over concrete from the inside of your home doesn’t stop water from getting into the material from the outside. It just keeps you from seeing that water is getting in. Eventually, water pressure will make the paint chip and peel, all while RAISING the moisture content of the wall. An ideal moisture management solution carries extra moisture away from your home, while giving normal water vapor an avenue to evaporate naturally without harming the home.

Waterproofing paint upsets this balance, essentially turning your porous cement walls into a basement-sized fish tank. There are special epoxies and polyurethane coatings made for workshop floors that penetrate the surface and actually seal it. But even these won’t waterproof a basement.

Temporary Fix, Long-Term Damage

If waterproofing paint is so bad at keeping a basement dry, then why do people even sell it? Well, it DOES do what it promises, for a short time. If your walls are dripping water after a rainstorm, a coat of waterproof paint will hide the problem for a year or two until it starts to fail.

By the time the paint begins flaking, expect to find mold and moisture damage sealed in by the waterproof paint. You will still need a contractor to install moisture management systems, but thanks to the cheap fix, you can add a few thousand dollars of mold remediation to the old estimate as well.

Moisture management is an investment against further damage. If you’re hesitating to properly fix the issue now, consider what it would cost to remediate mold damage in five or ten years. When it comes down to cost, leaving a damp basement alone makes more sense than “waterproofing” it with a few coats of paint. With waterproofing paints, you are literally paying for the privilege of guaranteed mold damage a few years later.

Work With Professional Waterproofers – Save Money and Time

There’s no doubt that any kind of basement waterproofing work is going to represent a major investment in your home. Who you choose to do the work is at least as important as the decision of what work to have done.

If you are looking to have a basement waterproofed in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, contact Dry Basement Solutions for a consultation. With over 25 years of experience in basement contracting, including drainage systems and mold remediation, they can meet your home waterproofing needs. Visit their website or call 201-258-4540 to schedule a consultation.

Converting your bathtub into a shower can provide numerous benefits, including increased accessibility, improved safety, and a modern, updated look. In this article, we’ll explore the lifestyle choices that may lead to a tub-to-shower conversion and help you decide if it’s right for you.

Aging in place

As we age, mobility can become a challenge. For seniors, getting in and out of a bathtub can be difficult and even dangerous. A tub-to-shower conversion can provide a safer, more accessible bathing option that allows seniors to age in place and maintain their independence.

General lifestyle changes

If your family’s lifestyle has changed, your bathroom needs may change as well. For example, if you have a child who has outgrown the need for a bathtub, a shower may be a more practical option. A tub-to-shower conversion can provide a more functional bathroom that meets your family’s changing needs.

Space constraints

If you have a small bathroom, a bathtub can take up valuable space. A shower can be a more efficient use of space, especially if you opt for a corner shower or a compact, walk-in design.

Modern aesthetics

If your bathroom feels outdated or doesn’t match your personal style, a tub-to-shower conversion can provide a modern, updated look. With a variety of colors, styles, and finishes to choose from, you can create a shower that reflects your unique taste.

A tub-to-shower conversion can provide numerous benefits, including increased accessibility, improved safety, and a modern, updated look. If you’re searching for the perfect provider for your tub or shower remodel, Matrix is sure to be the right fit. Reach out to our expert team today.

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Home renovation projects such as basement renovations offer an incredible way to boost your property’s value, enhance functionality, and boost curb appeal; however, there’s a growing concern about the environmental toll of these makeovers. Thankfully, an increasing number of homeowners are consciously making greener choices for their home improvement projects.

Basement Finishing Company, renowned home renovations and basement finishing company, is dedicated to helping individuals like you make sustainable decisions for their upcoming home improvement projects.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and Fixtures

When renovating your home, start with the kitchen and bathroom – the heart of your household. Consider upgrading your outdated appliances and fixtures to energy-efficient options. When you go shopping you will see that are many options available, ranging from ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators to water-saving showerheads and dual-flush toilets.

Sustainable Flooring

If you are thinking about changing your home’s flooring, bamboo and cork emerge as the top two eco-friendly options. Both materials offer durability, while their natural aesthetics can enhance the overall appearance of your home.

Landscaping

Eco-friendly landscaping can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal while also promoting biodiversity. Planting native species, using organic mulch, and setting up a rainwater harvesting system are some ways to make your yard more sustainable.

Solar Panels

At first, investing in solar panels may appear significant. However, they offer an incredible solution for harnessing renewable energy. Moreover, you don’t have to worry a bit in case the power grid in your city breaks down.

Eco-Friendly Paints

Looking to give your home a fresh, new appearance? Consider avoiding conventional paints that emit harmful chemicals. Instead, why not explore eco-friendly alternatives? These low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints offer a wide range of appealing colors while being free from toxic substances.

Basement Renovation

A basement often hides its untapped potential, offering a multitude of possibilities. Whether you envision it as a captivating game room, a mini home theater, a productive home office, or an inviting guest suite, incorporating eco-friendly methods can truly elevate the experience and make basement renovations all the more rewarding.

• Start with insulation. Opt for green insulation materials like sheep’s wool or icynene, a spray foam insulation that fills in gaps and is known to be energy efficient.

• LED lighting is recommended over traditional light bulbs; these lights consume less electricity but they also have a longer lifespan. To enhance sustainability, consider using reclaimed wood or metal for built-in furniture and storage units. This not only adds a unique basement finish but also helps in waste reduction.

• Proper ventilation is another significant aspect to consider. To ensure energy-efficient and high-quality air circulation, it is recommended to install an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This will help maintain the ideal indoor temperature and humidity levels.

An eco-friendly home renovation doesn’t mean compromising on style or comfort. At Basement Furnishing Company, we ensure that our services align with your sustainability goals, making your dream home a reality while caring for our planet. To learn more about how to make your next basement renovations more eco-friendly, please contact us today.

• By Dylan Smith
• In Uncategorized

The world of interior design is always evolving, and that includes basements too. In today’s blog post, we’ll dive into the latest Basement Finishing Trends to help you stay updated on the newest styles and innovations.

Why Keep Up with Trends?

While classic designs never go out of style, incorporating the latest trends can add a contemporary touch to your basement, making it both functional and visually appealing.

The Rise of the Smart Basement

Smart technology has slowly crept into every aspect of our homes, and basements are no exception. Think of:

• Smart lighting systems
• Voice-controlled home theaters
• Intelligent climate control

The Green Revolution: Eco-friendly Basements

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. The newest basement designs are focusing on:

• Energy-efficient lighting
• Sustainable materials like bamboo flooring
• Water-saving fixtures

Multi-Functional Spaces: The New Normal

The days of dedicating your basement to a single purpose are long gone. Nowadays, it’s all about versatility:

• A home office by day, a theater by night
• Foldaway gym equipment to save space
• Multi-use furniture for varied needs

Textures and Finishes: What’s Hot Now?

It’s not just about what you put in your basement; it’s also about how it looks:

• Exposed brick walls for an industrial look
• Terrazzo flooring for a touch of luxury
• Matte finishes for a sophisticated feel

Keeping up with the trends doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Utah Basement Finishing, we stay abreast of the latest industry developments to deliver modern, stylish basements that stand the test of time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I incorporate smart technology into my basement?
   • Start with a smart home hub and then choose compatible devices like lighting and climate control systems.
2. Is it expensive to make my basement eco-friendly?
   • While initial costs may be higher, you’ll save in the long run through lower utility bills.
3. Can a basement be both a gym and an office?
   • Absolutely, with smart space planning, a basement can serve multiple functions.
4. What are the most trendy textures and finishes?
   • Matte finishes, natural textures, and industrial elements are currently popular.
5. How do I get started on updating my basement?
   • Start with a professional consultation to align your space with the latest trends.

Conclusion: Keep Your Basement Fresh and Innovative

When it comes to basements, staying on top of the latest trends can turn your space into a modern marvel. Ready to refresh your basement? Call us today at 801-515-3473 or fill out our online form to get the ball rolling.

Home bars, laundry rooms, craft rooms, built-ins, and mudrooms – these are just a few of the projects that fall within our specialty space category.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE SPECIALTY SPACES – 2023

BRIGHT & BLUE HUNTLEY LAUNDRY ROOM

With ample storage, beautiful blue cabinetry, and a functional workstation counter, this is likely the most cheerful laundry room in Huntley. Zoey loves it too! See the incredible transformation here.

STORAGE BENCH BUILT-INS

These built-ins are part of a multi-interior remodel our team completed in Palatine. The bench is the perfect spot for our clients’ little ones, and it doubles as hidden storage for toys and blankets!

UNDER-STAIR PLANT NOOK

If you are looking for inspiration as you plan your dream basement, make sure you save this basement kitchenette to your inspo board. Complete with a beverage fridge, dishwasher, sink, and plenty of storage, this kitchen space is ideal for hosting. Remi, our clients’ Bernedoodle, certainly thinks so! See more of this project here.

MOODY HUNTLEY BASEMENT HOME BAR

We enjoyed partnering with Ross & Tina to complete their basement and create fun spaces for them to enjoy!

STORAGE-PACKED LAUNDRY ROOM

Sandra’s combo laundry/mudroom is simply charming. The patterned backsplash, wood counter/bench, and vertical shiplap are a few of our favorite design details in this space.

HOME ELEVATOR & SITTING ROOM ADDITION

This private sitting room is part of our Barrington 3-story addtion and whole home remodel. We partnered with Nationwide Lifts to install a 3-story glass home elevator as part of this project, don’t miss the video tour of Jamie and Evelyn Sims’ home!

COZY BASEMENT TOWER LAKES BUILT-INS

Our Tower Lakes multi-interior remodel included an inviting built-in wall with butcher block counters and open shelving. Plenty of storage, and timeless in design! See more of this multi-room remodel here.

WINE STORAGE IN LAKE BARRINGTON

Wine displays were a popular trend this year for basement remodels, and this display in Lake Barrington beautifully adds to the white oak and black accents throughout this basement remodel. See more of this basement here.

We would love for your specialty space remodel to be on our 2024 highlights list next year! If you’re ready to create unique moments in your home that enhance your everyday living, we’re here to help. Call us at 847-836-2600 or schedule a meeting with one of our designers to get started.

If you’ve been thinking about a home renovation, the best place to start is by hiring a general contractor. General contractors in Calgary might have licensed trades employed within their company, but in many cases they will bring in sub-contractors to do specific jobs like plumbing or electrical work.

General contractors can assist you with a wide range of home improvement projects. From basement renovations, bathroom and kitchen renovations in Calgary, to home additions and even building new homes. For smaller home improvement projects and repairs, you might consider hiring a handy man service or a specific contractor like a drywall contractor or a roofing contractor.

In this article, we will review the difference between general contractors, sub-contractors, handymen and their role in your home renovation projects.

What is a contractor?

Generally speaking, the professional renovation companies or trades that can help with home improvement or renovations are typically called contractors. This is because when you hire these individuals or companies to do work on your home, you will hire their services under a contract between you and them and/or their company.

In the home improvement industry, there is a vast range of contractors that each provide a very specific service for your home. There are roofing contractors, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors, painting contractors, concrete contractors, landscape contractors…and the list goes on. Whether you need Calgary bathroom renovations, to build a new deck or fence or repair a leak in your plumbing, there is a contractor you can hire to take care of that project or repair for you.

Typically, the person or company that you sign the contract with is responsible for delivering the services that are written into that contract. For example, if you sign a contract with a drywall contractor – that drywall contractor will be responsible for all the drywall materials, installation and clean-up as stated in the contract. There will be no managing contractor involved in that project. All communication will be between you and the drywall contractor you’ve hired.

However, in certain instances that same drywall contractor might be working for a managing contractor, most commonly referred to as a general contractor, in which case that drywall contractor will be a sub-contractor. If you’ve hired a general contractor, you will likely have sub-contractors working in your home.

What is a general contractor?

Think of a general contractor as a project manager for your home renovation or remodeling project. When you hire a general contractor, they will manage the entire project for you from start to finish. Most general contractors will hire or sub-contract interior designers to help create the perfect design and plan for your space. Then they will take care of hiring, scheduling and managing every trade that will have to work on your project. These hired trades are called sub-contractors and they will take care of aspects like plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting and other specialties.

You will not be entering into individual contracts with these sub-contractors and it will be the responsibility of general contractors in Calgary to hire and pay them to work on your home. This cost will be included in your original quote and contract that you have signed with the general contractor. The general contractor will also deal with any issues between sub-contractors and will make sure they’re notified if something changes with the project. Without a general contractor, you would have to do all of this yourself.

Some general contractors will be actively working on your home renovation themselves. You might see them demolishing your old cabinetry or framing a new wall along side the other workers. It is common to have a general contractor who comes from a specific trade in the construction industry. They might also have worked as an electrical contractor or cabinet maker, for example. Larger renovation companies might employ enough staff and sub-contractors to allow the general contractor to work only has a project manager. Your general contractor will explain the entire process of your home renovation to you, including who will be doing the work and at what stage.

What are the benefits of hiring a general contractor?

Whether you are embarking on a major home addition, kitchen or bathroom remodel or basement renovations in Calgary, there are many advantages to hiring a general contractor.

Get help with design.

You know you want an upgrade, but have no idea where to start! That’s where the help of a professional interior designer can really help. When you hire a general contracter, you will gain access to their design services. You will meet with a designer to share your ideas and needs for function and style, and they will help fill in the blanks to create the best space for your needs, family and lifestyle.

Save yourself the stress of hiring and scheduling trades.

Not having to research, check references, hire, schedule and then manage half-a-dozen contractors for your home renovation will be a major benefit. A general contractor will do all of this for you. Since they work with these different companies often, they already know the kind of quality work that is expected. Plus, they will know exactly when each trade will have to come into your home to work on that aspect of the project and make sure your home renovation is running smoothly and efficiently.

They are knowledgeable and experienced.

When you embark on a major home remodeling project yourself, you’re relying on your knowledge and experience from the design stage through construction and completion. You might be an avid DIYer, but a seasoned general contractor has been dealing with home construction and renovations for a living for many, many years. If a problem arises, they can deal with it effectively and efficiently. They will also know what will work and what won’t, so you can lay out a smart plan for your home improvement project that will encounter less road blocks. Not only will this reduce stress, it will help you avoid some very expensive mistakes.

General contractors will obtain all permits.

Not only do general contractors know building code and regulations, they will also know what specific permits you must obtain for your project. They will ensure that all permits are obtain and any inspections required are done so that your home renovation is completed safely and to code.

They will help you stay on budget.

When you take care of a home renovation by yourself, you must create your own budget. Without knowledge and experience, there’s a likely chance that you’ll overspend. Purchasing the wrong materials or tools, or accidentally damaging materials, will account for several trips back to the building supply store and more money spent. Unforeseen issues can be costly, but an experienced general contractor will include a buffer in your budget to give you more wiggle room. You’ll know how much things will cost and won’t have to deal with a bigger bill than expected at the end of the project.

For more information on how to hire a general contractor, ready “How to Deal with Contractors”.

Types of renovations a general contractor can help you with.

Most general contractors offer a huge range of renovation services. You can even hire a general contractor to help you with the entire planning and building process for a brand-new home. Other renovations that a general contractor can help you manage include:

Basement Renovations

A basement renovation can nearly double your useable living space and help you increase the value of your home. Your new basement can include additional bedrooms for a growing family, a home office, fitness room, play room, rec room, home theatre or a man-cave retreat. When it comes time to sell your house, buyers will be attracted to an updated, finished basement and you’ll gain a competitive edge on the market.

One big issue with basement renovations, especially if you are upgrading an older retro basement that was originally finished decades ago, is that it might come with some unexpected surprises. Your old basement could have been finished by an inexperienced DIYer or renovator and since it was done so long ago, you can never be sure how it was done.

Things that might turn up behind those walls include faulty wiring and electrical work, issues with plumbing, mould, mildew or water damage from moisture getting in and old building materials that can be hazardous to your health like asbestos. This is where hiring a knowledgeable and experienced general contractor can really pay off. Not only will they be able to spot shoddy or potentially hazardous work, they will have the know-how to quickly and cost-effectively deal with the situation and ensure your new basement renovation is safe, to code and done properly.

Bathroom Renovations

Not only will a bathroom upgrade improve your bathrooms aesthetics, it will also increase your enjoyment of the room by creating a more functional and relaxing space. Convert your bathtub into a beautiful shower, with modern tile, luxurious fixtures and glass door or change the entire layout of the room to make more space.

A well-planned bathroom renovation can also help you increase your home’s energy efficiency. Purchasing energy efficient fixtures like low-flow shower heads and toilets is both affordable and a good investment over the long run. They can help you save on your water utility bill month after month. When low-flow products first came on the market they were more expensive than regular fixtures, but that is no longer the case. A trip to a kitchen and bath supply store will give you lots of inspiration that can help you save energy and create the beautiful and functional bathroom you’ve always wanted.

Kitchen Renovations

Kitchen renovations are by far the most popular home renovation for home owners and home buyers. They also have one of the highest return on investment compared to other home renovation projects. In fact, Remodelling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report for 2023 showed that even a minor kitchen renovation will recoup 80.2 per cent of it’s cost.

In the example given, a minor kitchen renovation would include refacing existing cabinetry and updating hardware, replacing the countertop with new laminate countertops, installing energy efficient appliances, installing mid-range sinks and faucets and replacing the old floors with resilient flooring. This renovation is estimated to cost approximately $20,800 but will increase your home’s value by $17 ,000. Aside from what you can get with an asking price, any experienced realtor will tell you that an updated kitchen will make your home more marketable and make for a faster sale. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy it in the meantime.

Because kitchen renovations have many different components to them, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced general contractor. They will help you choose things like countertops, backsplash, cabinetry and flooring, ensuring everything has good flow regarding design and that the finished renovation will improve both functionality and your personal enjoyment of the room. Having a knowledgeable manager for a project of this scale will help save you time and stress. Learn 5 benefits of kitchen renovations.

What about handy man services?

For smaller renovations, like replacing your floors or upgrading a small bathroom, you might consider hiring a handyman service over a big renovation company or general contractor. A handyman, or woman, is a person or company that can assist you with a wide range of home repairs, home maintenance and home improvements. They take care of that list of ‘odd jobs’ you might have around the house or minor projects that need to get done. These types of jobs could include repairing damaged drywall, installing windows and doors, building a fence, installing new appliances, painting and everything in between.

There are benefits to hiring handyman services for these types of jobs. Most of us mean to get to our home maintenance to-do list, or finally tackle that little home improvement project, but life happens and time goes by without it getting done. Even when we do have the time, we might not have the know-how! A handyman will come take care of one or more of those projects, or sometimes your entire list, and get it done with skill and efficiency.

Hiring handyman services in Calgary can be more efficient than hiring contractors for home repairs and improvements. Let’s you need a minor roof repair, want to install a few light fixtures and want to replace the flooring in the bathroom. Instead of hiring a roofing contractor, electrician and flooring installer to do each of those jobs separately, who will all come with their own charges and schedule, you can hire one handyman to come do all those things for you. Depending on the size, they can check projects off the list in just a day or two. Hiring a handyman can be a simpler and more affordable option to dealing with several contractors.

Though major renovations like basement, bathroom and kitchen renovations are known to increase resale value, you don’t have to embark on a major remodeling job to get a return on investment with home improvements. A handyman can easily complete projects that will recoup cost and increase property value, without ripping out your kitchen cabinetry! For example, you can expect to get a 91 per cent return on replacing your front entry door. Not only does that improve curb appeal, further boosting your home’s resale value, it will also improve your home’s energy efficiency and help you save money on your monthly energy bills. Other not-so-major home improvements that don’t break the bank but give back a great ROI are an interior paint job and building a deck addition. Learn more about these 3 home renovations with good return on investment.

What about the cost? In most cases, hiring handyman services in Calgary is less expensive than hiring a contractor. They have a much lower overhead than a large renovation company because they supply their own tools and have less, or zero, other workers to pay. Some handyman companies will even let you purchase and supply your own materials so you know that the products going into the project are not marked up. Handyman services are a good option for homeowners on a budget.

Hiring Trusted Contractors on RenovationFind.com

RenovationFind.com is a free online directory of accredited contractors and home improvement companies. Every company on our directory has passed a stringent screen process that includes financial and legal background checks, checking for proper business licencing, insurance and WCB coverage. Companies who are members of the BBB receive a higher rating, costumer complaints are reviewed and each business is continually monitored to ensure they are keeping up with the criteria.

Whether you want to hire a general contractor for a major renovation, a contractor to get one job done or a handyman to take care of your home repairs and projects list, you can find renovation companies you can trust on RenovationFind.com! Find inspiration with these 25 Best Home Renovation Ideas.

Why You Need a Crawlspace Vapor Barrier

• Save Money on Heating and Cooling

Moisture finding its way in from a crawl space can make your home feel hot and humid. With a vapor barrier in place, you can run the A/C less and save on cooling costs.

• Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Most people think about flooded basements and burst pipes when they think of water damage, but consistent high humidity can be just as bad for the wood and masonry beneath your house.

Mold spores are dangerous to human health. Inhaling them can cause everything from allergic reactions to long-term disease, and the worst of the worst carry deadly toxins. Mold loves dark and damp places, so the best way to prevent mold from growing in your crawlspace and spreading to the living areas is to keep it dry with a vapor barrier.

Is your vapor barrier installed properly?

Vapor barriers are more than just a sheet of plastic tucked somewhere under the floorboards. To actually keep a home dry and insulated, vapor barriers need to be properly installed. A poorly installed vapor barrier can do more damage to your home than none at all!

This guide will show you what to look for to see if your current vapor barrier can pass muster.

Three Ways NOT to Install a Vapor Barrier

With Gravel On Top

A lot of contractors have been putting down a layer of thick plastic vapor barrier, then layering gravel on top, This isn’t a vapor barrier–it’s a swimming pool!

It seems like these contractors are thinking that they will stop groundwater from rising up into a basement. They’re wrong. All this kind of “vapor barrier” can do is trap rainwater. It won’t be able to absorb into the ground because there is a thick plastic sheet in the way, and the gravel will act like a perfect aquifer. Water will have one place to go: up into your foundation.

While often well-intentioned, installing a vapor barrier incorrectly like this is worse than not having a vapor barrier at all.

Stapled to a Ceiling

When homeowners try to install a vapor barrier in a crawlspace, it is quite common for them to staple sheets of thick plastic to the ceiling of their crawlspace as a “vapor barrier”.

This kind of vapor barrier doesn’t do a thing to stop moisture from getting into your home. It does guarantee wood rot beneath the plastic sheet. Just like with the gravel-over-plastic installation, a vapor barrier plastic stapled to the ceiling will actually trap moisture, not block it.

This will be even worse if the barrier covers any pipes or ducts. Cool metal surfaces like air ducts collect condensation during the summer.

Normally this evaporates without anyone noticing, and no harm was done. But with a plastic sheet covering the duct, the condensation will end up soaking into your floor joists. It’s a recipe for mold.

Wrapped Around the Walls

Many contractors will try to sell homeowners something that looks like a full encapsulation system by wrapping vapor barrier sheets around the walls of a crawl space and stapling them to the wood sill plate.

There are a couple of huge problems with this kind of system.

Staples punched through the plastic act like little steel wicks. Any moisture that gets between the foundation walls and the plastic will wick right into the wood house frame. This not only defeats the purpose of a vapor barrier but introduces serious risks of wood rot, mold, and structural damage.

When contractors do these kinds of simple wraps, they almost never take the time to tape the seams where sheets overlap. Moisture can easily wick through these gaps.

At the end of the day, this kind of installation only looks like a vapor barrier. In practice, it won’t come close to giving your home the protection of a crawlspace vapor barrier.

The Right Way to Install a Crawlspace Vapor Barrier

The correct way to install a vapor barrier in a crawlspace is surprisingly simple. Sheets of 6 mil vapor barrier should be used to cover the floor area, overlapped by 12 inches.  No gravel coatings, no stapling things to the ceiling, and no gaps–just a clean, professional installation.

Dry Basement Solutions: Contractors You Can Trust

If your crawlspace or basement has problems with dampness or mold, call the experts at Dry Basement Solutions for a consultation. With over 25 years of experience in the remediation industry, the family owned and operated team is ready to tackle mold and basement water damage needs.

Visit their website or call 201-258-4540 for a consultation.