Home Improvement Blogs – Calgary

Home improvements can be a great way to improve enjoyment of the home and also increase its resale value. Installing a deck increases use of the outdoor space and provides a necessary update to the property. Homeowners who are looking to add to the functional living space of the home could save money by considering this minor property upgrade instead of building an addition to the house. Here's several ways people can evaluate the benefits of building a deck on their land.

Cost vs. Investment

When people think about the money they spend on a particular project, they may choose to consider the costs and the overall investment. Costs are important to prioritize, especially when homeowners have a limited budget available for upgrades. It might

Many real estate professionals will suggest a bathroom or kitchen remodel as a way to sell a home quicker and for more money. The problem is will the seller get a return on that investment? HomeAdvisor states the average bathroom remodeling project costs about $10,500 and can be as high as $25,000.

A major bathroom remodeling project may be so expensive it may cost the homeowner in the long run. What most homeowners are looking for are relatively inexpensive bathroom renovation projects that offer a high return on investment. Here are some to consider, some can be done by the homeowner, others by a professional.

Paint and Wall Treatments

You don't get a much easier or less expensive upgrade than a fresh coat of paint. Consider selecting a

During the winter months, homes have a way of getting cold and drafty. Chilly temperatures make problems for homeowners for a variety of reasons. Winterizing at this time of year can save homeowners time and money. If you're a homeowner who would like to take care of your property, here's what you can do to protect your home in the winter months.

Install Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping can take many forms, but commonly weatherstripping takes the form of foam strips installed around window and door frames. Weatherstripping closes the gap between the window and door, thus preventing drafts from making rooms uncomfortable when temperatures outside drop.

>Weatherstripping is easy to install, and can be installed by homeowners without

Homeowners need to make periodic home improvements to maintain their resale value. Unfortunately, not all projects fit the bill. Some options do not raise the value enough to justify the expense, while others could actually lower the home's value. Homeowners can help to protect their resale value by avoiding these projects in particular.

Consolidating Bedrooms or Bathrooms

The value of the home relates closely to number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Sometimes, people think that they can attract a larger share of buyers by consolidating smaller bedrooms or bathrooms into a larger suite. In homes of a modest size, this could backfire. Shifting from three bedrooms to two, or from two bathrooms to one, may dramatically lower the home's value no

Some renovation projects and upgrades improve the aesthetic appeal or functionality of a kitchen, but will do little to earn back their initial cost. West Hillhurst home buyers may be less than enthused with the new upgrade and a seller may be reducing their profit by investing too much on kitchen renovation projects without a high return.

There are multiple factors that will come into play, such as the time that elapses between when the project was completed and when the home is sold. However, there are some home improvement projects that will give as much as a 64 per cent ROI. Learn more about a few kitchen home improvement projects worth the investment today.

Replace Kitchen Windows

Some updates are not obvious eye-catchers but they

There are no hard and fast rules concerning how to choose home siding, and only a homeowner can decide what the best home siding is to suit their taste and budget. However, here are the top six options that are both attractive and resilient that are popular with Canadian Roxboro homeowners today.

Fiber Cement Siding

Highly in demand, fiber cement siding options such as Hardiplank are a bit more costly than similar options like vinyl, but generally considered well worthwhile. The manufacturer's warranty on durable fiber cement siding products are generally 30 years or longer, and this material is resistant to pests, water and fire. There is little to no maintenance needed beyond occasional cleanings and repainting as need or desired. Fiber

Home security systems give homeowners the peace of mind they need to feel safe when they spend time inside or away from their home. There are different types of home security systems. Some are DIY, others are installed, monitored and maintained by private companies. Knowing the difference between these home security systems can help homeowners pick the product that best meets their needs.

Which Homes Need Security Systems?

Home security systems are good for safety as well as theft prevention. Many are connected to smoke detectors and other systems of the home, to alert the homeowner when there is a problem like a leak or a fire on the property. Any home is vulnerable to these disasters, and thus, nearly any home can benefit from a home

One of the biggest risks of being a homeowner is the safety hazards that can be found in a home. There are a lot of issues that can arise and problems that can come about, even for the most diligent of homeowner. That's because some of the biggest hazards can be things that are basically hidden, and that most people really don't think about. But a savvy homeowner who knows what to look for can spot these kinds of problems and address them the right way to keep themselves, their home, and everyone in it safe. Here's what a homeowner should know.

What Safety Hazards Are Most Dangerous?

Some of the most common and dangerous safety hazards include problems with electrical wiring, mold, and structural issues. These are the kinds of hazards that

Although mold and mildew are natural micro-organisms and serve the beneficial purpose of speeding the breakdown of decaying matter in the natural world, mold in a South East Calgary home can cause health problems, odour and unsightly stains. Luckily, there are ways to assure that mold does not become a problem at home.

Prevention is key. Once removed, regular cleaning is imperative to prevent circulating mold spores from reattaching to surfaces. The microscopic spores released by mold can cause allergic reactions that range from sneezing and red eyes to serious headaches, congestion and breathing problems. There is evidence that long-term exposure also is related to other medical conditions. Black mold, sometimes known as toxic mold, infestations

One of the biggest perks of owning a home is not having to ask permission from a landlord to paint the walls or hammer nails. However, homeowners may take this level of ownership to the extreme, assuming they can complete a variety of home improvement projects around the home, without qualifying the work with an official authority. One estimate puts the percentage of unpermitted work in Canada at a full 70%, so chances are, there's something in your home that isn't officially up to code. Those who discover unpermitted work in their home can take the following steps to fix it.

Check the Permits

Every province and neighborhood has its own opinions about which kinds of jobs need permits—and these opinions can change from year to year. Some local