The ups and downs of your yard
A sloped landscape can add some nice dimension to your yard, allowing you to get creative with your space. But what do you do when the edges of your property line have an uneven slope and you want to build a fence? Well, for that, you’ve got a couple options to think about.
For minor sloping, you can install the fence in a raked pattern. In a raked fence, the rail of the fence (the horizontal bar between fence posts) remains parallel to the ground in all panels.
Did you know that electrical fires account for 20 per cent of all fires in Canada, and almost 2,000 children are electrocuted or injured when they place unfamiliar things in electrical outlet slots every year? Electrical injuries can cause anxiety, persistent discomfort, and memory loss. These stats can be reduced with proper maintenance and doing things right the first time.
Electrical shocks and fires are commonly caused by faulty wiring or equipment, inferior products, mishandling of electricity, or wear and tear. However, homeowners should be aware of the ways to prevent electrical fires and shocks.
WHOLE-HOUSE SURGE PROTECTOR
A whole-house surge protector instantly blocks electrical fluctuations on your circuits and prevents electrical surges from entering your home in the first place. Surge protection is required in all new residences built in the United States according to the National Electrical Code, and I think this should be made mandatory in Canada too. We always install a whole-house surge protector in all the homes we renovate.
GFCI RECEPTACLES
When an electrical current travels in an unintended path, for example by a person or through contact with water, GFCI receptacles provide safety by preventing electrical shock. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms must all have GFCI outlets and be installed within 1.5 metres of a sink or water supply. Some GFCI outlets have an audio alert that sounds when the GFCI is triggered.
AF/GF RECEPTACLES
Arc Fault Ground Fault (AF/GF) receptacles are two-in-one circuit interrupters. Your wiring can now be safeguarded against harmful arcs that can cause fires and ground faults that cause electrical shock in one handy gadget. Unexpected electrical routes to ground and hidden arc faults that can cause electrical fires are protected by AF/GF receptacles. The dual-purpose device, can be installed in a wall box receptacle or a circuit breaker in the distribution panel — providing maximum protection.
WASHING MACHINE OUTLETS
Every washing machine needs its own 120-volt, 15 or 20-amp circuit. The outlet should be concealed and out of reach behind the machine. Any extra 120-volt 15 or 20-amp outlets will require at least one more receptacle in the laundry area. These outlets can be linked to the same circuit as the washing machine and will power your iron, steamer, or other accessories. A couple of things to help you stay safe including using an aluminum vent, clearing the lint trap after each use, cleaning and examining the vent once a year, placing a smoke alarm in the dryer’s vicinity, and never use the dryer while asleep or not at home.
Knowing how to protect yourself and your home with proper maintenance and electrical devices will prevent you and your family from fire hazards, electrical shocks and burns. Do it right and stay safe.
First, let’s start with the WHY.
Squeaky and creaky floors are usually related to one of two things: your floor joists, or your choice of subfloor.
You may also have squeaky floors because of the loosening of the hardware holding the floor in place. When nails or screws no longer fit tightly, boards can rub together. That noise you hear is the sound the boards make when they rub together. This can be because of nails or screws that don’t fit tightly anymore.
Sometimes old hardwood floors can start to squeak as they expand and contract depending on humidity levels. If this is the case, you may be able to visually see if your squeaky floors are due to your hardwood expanding and contracting. In the winter, your wood flooring might shrink and leave gaps, and in the summer it might look wavy as the hardwood swells with moisture.
The squeaks and creaks problem could also be related to your floor joists. It could be that they’ve been spaced too far apart, or they haven’t been properly blocked. Blocking between your joists adds stiffness, preventing them from moving, which means fewer squeaks in your finished floor.
If you have access to the joists from below (like in an unfinished basement), you can add more blocking – assuming there aren’t any ducts or wiring in the way.
Did You Know? Joists are a structure beneath your floor and subfloor.
I had helical piles installed in my house. Helical piles are screwed deeply into the earth, 14 ft in my case. They are screwed into the ground until it’s proven that the area can properly hold the required bearing capacity of the structure. It’s taken the weight off of my second floor completely allowing me to level my floor. That’s Making It Right.
The subfloor may be the culprit – do you know what your subfloor material is? Plywood is my preferred material, but even plywood if not properly secured can still end up squeaking. Often, when installing new subfloors contractors will opt to use a nail gun because it’s faster. I don’t like to rush my flooring jobs. Speed isn’t always the best choice.
Quickly firing a few nails into your subfloor, you’ll likely miss the floor joists. If you live in a house with a basement that has unfinished ceilings, you could even go downstairs and be able to see just how many nails didn’t hit the joists.
Without a strong enough connection, the subfloor can pull away from the joists and squeak when you walk over it.
Did you change your flooring recently? If you have recently changed your floor and still have a squeak, whether in the same places or not, it could be due to your subfloor. If you are noticing the squeaking on your new flooring just now, it could be because of a bad installation.
Fixing creaking and squeaky floors is a common problem for many homeowners, and it can be quite irritating. The good news is that there are a number of options for solving this problem.
I always go for the “glue it and screw it” method. Whether you go with plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), you glue the subfloor down to the floor joists to make the necessary connection and then add screws to hold the subfloor in place. If you don’t use construction adhesive to glue it, nails can start to pull away, leading to those floor squeaks we hate.
Instead, glue the subfloor down to make the necessary connection, and add screws to hold the material in place. Unlike nails, the screws will keep from coming loose over time.
If you don’t have access to the area beneath the floor, your best bet is to pull up the existing floor, properly glue and screw the subfloor against the joists (and be sure it’s plywood). Unfortunately, it’s not a cheap solution – but it will solve the problem.
I love using SikaBond construction adhesive, we’ve been using it on our projects for years. This is a high-quality adhesive that forms an incredibly strong connection between your subfloor and floor joists, getting rid of those annoying squeaks. It’s also simple to apply (can be used by DIYers and contractors alike) and cures quickly, so you can enjoy your newly silent floors in no time.
If your subfloor is uneven, and you install your hardwood flooring or tile on top of it, you will likely experience bouncy and creaking floors.
Check the flatness of your concrete by using a level if you have one.
Self-levelling cement is a good alternative for levelling without having to fix the entire structure of the floor. Using a self-levelling floor compound will help ensure that the concrete is completely flat before you lay the tiles or hardwood.
Adding a layer of self-levelling compound to your concrete adds an extra day to your flooring job, but it reduces the chances of problems with your flooring later.
We use Sika L-125 Floor Self-Leveller on all our projects.
As a contractor, I’ve worked with a wide range of products. On all of our projects, I use the Sika L125 to level a concrete floor. It is great for use with tile, vinyl, and hardwood. I like how you can pour it one day and then walk over it the next. Plus, it is also:
How to Level An Uneven Floor
A squeaky floor is more than simply a discomfort; it might indicate wrong installation or an underlying problem with your flooring structure. If you have a squeaky or creaking floor, it is important to determine the source of the problem before attempting to repair it. Remember putting in the effort to correctly install your flooring will save you time and money down the road. Happy renovating!
From the exterior to the interior, nothing uplifts the look and feel of a home more than paint. This is why repainting is one of the essential projects homeowners take up before moving into a new home, rented or bought. Now, painting can be done DIY as long as you have some creativity, the right tools, and time to set aside for the project. However, most painting projects require hiring a painting contractor if you want professional results.
A good painting contractor can get the job done quicker and better, plus the results will be more stunning. Nonetheless, you will potentially have to choose one in a pool of numerous contractors, so the hiring decision can be somewhat daunting. But making the final choice doesn’t have to be a dizzying affair. To make it easier for you, here are some tips you could use to choose a top painting contractor for your new house.
Compared to most other home improvement projects, painting is often inexpensive. However, the project can have a profound effect on your wallet, depending on the size of your home and the kind of results you are looking for. Moreover, not ball painting contractors will charge the same for their services.
How much you spend on the painting project will also depend on the quantity as well as the quality of materials and supplies used. A good painting contractor should be flexible enough to work with your budget and advise you accordingly on what to expect at the end of the project.
Thanks to the internet, finding a reliable service provider has become easier these days. However, this doesn’t mean choosing the first painting contractor you come across online through the search engine, an ad, or on social media. It pays to conduct some research beforehand while weighing your options. When researching painting contractors, your needs should be the focal point on which your decision will be based.
For instance, not all painting contractors may have the skills, equipment, and expertise needed to include decorative features that will make your interior or exterior stand out the way you want it to.
During your research, you will also want to check out reviews and testimonials from past clients for each potential hire. In other words, you want to work with a reputable painter that you’re confident can handle your project on time and provide great results.
Colleagues, friends, family, and neighbours are also great sources of information when looking to hire a painter. From this network, you’ll probably find one or two people who have used the services of a reliable painting contractor that could meet your needs. Their recommendations could come in handy in easing your search.
Once you’ve picked a few companies that have sparked your attention, it’s now time to get quotes from each of them. Obtaining more than one bid for comparison purposes is always a smart idea. Avoid the temptation of picking a painting contractor only on the basis of their lowest bid price, as this is by far the riskiest method of contractor selection.
A little healthy competition, on the other hand, never hurts anyone and helps to keep pricing in check. At the very least, it’s a good idea to get three bids. You may need to contact more than three organizations to obtain your three bids because some of them may be overburdened with work and, unfortunately, some of them are simply not excellent at answering phone calls or responding to emails.
This is among the most critical aspects of helping narrow down your options to one painting contractor. Interviewing your prospects will help you compare and contrast your options so you can settle on the most qualified contractor for the job based on their experience, expertise, and how they answer your questions. Nonetheless, you need to ask the right questions, some of which may include:
At this point, you should have enough insight to know which painting contractor to pick for your new home. Go ahead and get a written agreement for the project, detailing all the specifics about the job and the responsibilities of the contractor. The contract should also clearly lay down the timelines as well as the costs and fees involved, warranties, and so forth. In most cases, such contracts also state which materials and supplies should be used, just so quality isn’t jeopardized.
In most cases, such contracts also state which materials and supplies should be used, just so quality isn’t jeopardized. These agreements feature the details of both the contractor and the client, including their names, addresses, telephone contacts, and so forth.
A fresh coat of paint always makes a home livelier and more attractive. If done right, it can even enhance comfort and increase a property’s value. If you’re looking for a top-rated painting contractor for your house, the above few tips can help.
Installing new windows proved to be one of the best home improvement projects to consider when renovating your property. Window replacement offers a high ROI, improves energy efficiency, comfort and drastically adds aesthetics.
Statistics show windows are accounted for heat loss of 25%–30%, so homeowners who install high-quality units can expect a significant reduction in annual energy bills. But the critical point here is to find a contractor that not only sells you the best windows but also installs them right.
Why Buy From Professional Window Installers?
While embarking on a DIY project may sound fun, in fact, the surveys show that 40% of homeowners regret their decisions to start home renovation projects without consulting with experts.
This is even more true for window replacement since it is known to be on the top most challenging home renovation projects list. Hiring a reliable window company to do the job:
How to Make Sure Your Window Company is Reliable?
With how popular window replacement is in Canada, there are plenty of window companies to work with, either small local brands or big names.
So here is a quick checklist to make sure you are dealing with a trustworthy contractor for your window project:
If you are building your dream house, you need a general contractor to manage your construction team. This professional is in charge of all daily operations, including maintaining quality control and meeting those deadlines. When you need engineers, architects, interior designers, and other construction professionals, the general contractor is the person who will meet and work with them. A general contractor is vital to any construction project. Here are a couple of things you need to know about this construction professional.
With those bigger builds, you need to find a responsible person for the general contractor role. These professionals will be able to coordinate and execute the construction of your home project. They enter into a primary contract with the property owner, and they are responsible for overseeing the project. Think of the general contractor as the construction manager, responsible for the oversight of the project while managing all subcontractors and vendors. Plus, they are the primary source of communication between everyone involved in the construction project. These contractors should be licensed by their state, ensuring that their work will meet the code requirements.
These services will vary based on the complexity and size of the project. In some cases, the general contractor will need to manage the workers, provide utilities on the site, secure the grounds, and perform engineering functions. These professionals are also responsible for disposing of any construction waste.
The general contractor must also keep your project on budget by keeping accurate records and balancing any costs. The services offered by a general contractor can be quite extensive. Some contractors will charge a 15 to 20% fee plus the cost of materials and labor for the job. Some professionals will charge a set fee for their services. Remember that a general contractor is not an employee, but they will work as an independent contractor. With that, contractors will not have to pay any taxes to benefit their employees.
A general contractor will form an agreement with subcontractors. The homeowner or client does not have to deal with these subcontractors. Plumbers, masons, electricians, and roofers will report directly to the general contractor. The general constructor is responsible for the quality of work, behaviour, and efficiency of those subcontractors. In many cases, the general contractor will ensure that these subcontractors are licensed and insured.
The client can choose a subcontractor directly, checking their qualification and reviewing any estimates. However, with a general contractor, that professional will take on that role by managing payments, creating schedules, and keeping everyone on a budget. Think of the general contractor as the primary person in charge of the project. If there is a problem, that general contractor will handle it and keep everyone and everything on schedule.
At a glance, the general contractor and construction manager might seem like the same job. The construction manager is involved in the early process of the job, usually during the pre-construction and design phase. They lend their expertise to the budgeting and scheduling process. They can help clients save money while maintaining the integrity of the initial design. The construction manager will also manage contractors, checking on the job’s progress. In some cases, they will hire subcontractors for the job.
The general contractor is the one responsible for those workers in the field. While they may take on some budgeting tasks, the construction manager handles most of the financial picture.
Hiring a general contractor is not always required if you are doing residential work. In some situations, you just need to work with a subcontractor directly. However, you might want to think about working with a general contractor if the project will take a few days to complete, require permits, or involve several subcontractors. These professionals can keep everyone on track for your project.
When you are ready to hire a general contractor, you will sign a legally binding document known as a general contractor agreement. This formal contract outlines all of the duties and responsibilities of the general contractor. The details in the contract often include the construction specifications, materials, and other labor that will be completed on the land or property.
Make sure that the estimate outlines the price and payment information. If changes are made, then the contract will need to be amended. Along with that, the estimate must have a complete description of the work, including details about warranties, replacement options, and the preparation process. Finally, the estimate needs an approximate completion date for the project.
Do you want everything in writing? Yes, you never want any construction work done on your home without a contract. These legal contracts will protect you if something goes wrong on the job site. If the subcontractors don’t complete the work or damage your property, you have legal recourse at your fingertips. Think of the contract to guarantee that subcontractors will complete the work on time and for a specific price.
A general contractor is a vital part of a huge renovation project. While you don’t need these professionals for smaller jobs, you should think about hiring a general contractor if you plan a room renovation ornew house construction.
Are you looking for a high-quality source to assist with your site plans? Reach out to one of our contractors today!
With the arrival of autumn and cooler temperatures in Canada, unwanted invasive species are also making seasonal changes that could prove invasive to your house.
Pest Solutions across Canada are seeing an increasing number of calls from homeowners wanting to rid their homes of rats.
“I’ve had 10 calls for rat infestations so far this year,” Pest Control expert says, adding he recently rid a house of six adult and seven-week old rats.
The number of infestations has been on the rise in Ontario and continues year-over-year.
“Bedbugs, termites and rats are three pests you shouldn’t try to control by yourself,” Pest Control expert says, noting rats are neophobic and quickly learn to avoid traps and poison should either device fail to kill them the first time. He says poison should never be used in buildings, as rats can die in walls and leave a decomposing odour that will last from six to 12 months.
Evidence of rats can generally be heard. Homeowners will hear gnawing and scratching sounds, generally in the attic, particularly around dusk. He says the rats only need a 1/2 inch opening to get inside and can climb up just about any material.
Homeowners can help discourage infestations by leaving open ground in the yard, with trees a minimum of four feet from the house. Compost is an attractant and should be kept in sealed drums and in containers designed for the purpose..
New building methods can also present problems for homeowners when rats invade. Modern plumbing systems use plastic piping, which the rodents nibble on to access water.
With a gestation period of 22 days, rats can reach sexual maturity in two to three months. Although they only have an 18 month lifespan, they can breed five to eight pups in each birth cycle, which can occur four times a year.
With that in mind, it’s easy to understand Pest Control experts when they say, “Nothing can be done to get rid of them. They’re here to stay.”
When Dale Kennedy of Scarborough, Ont. had some water in her basement this past October she was concerned she could end up with a flooded basement.
“I had a backup in my basement and water coming in and I didn’t know what to do,” said Kennedy.
The senior went online and found a plumbing company that could come over to check the problem right away. Kennedy was told she had a breakage in a sewer pipe near the exterior wall at the front of her house.
Kennedy was told the problem could be repaired but would require an excavation, take three to five days and cost her $33,335.
Kennedy signed a contract to do the work, but immediately became concerned after the plumber left and contacted her son.
Her son advised Kennedy to call another plumber for a second opinion.
“The other plumber came and he looked down there and an hour and a half later he had the problem solved. It was tree roots,” said Kennedy.
The other plumber was able to remove the roots from a sewer pipe and charged her $1,700.
Dale Kennedy is seen in this undated image.
Sayuri Dominguez, also of Scarborough, had a leaking toilet this past September and also went online and found a plumber who could come right away.
Dominguez said she was shocked when she was quoted $15,255 to repair her plumbing issue.
“When I asked him about my options and he didn’t give me any, he said he couldn’t give me a timeline when it could explode so I got scared and agreed to this,” said Dominguez.
Dominguez said after she signed the contract she became concerned and called her stepfather John Tarver who went over, found it was a broken flange at the base of the toilet and he was able to repair it for about $50.
“We went to Home Depot, got the part and in an hour and a half it was done,” said Tarver.
Both families signed contracts with Superior Plumbing and Heating. CTV News Toronto contacted the company about the price differences and Fred Ross, Customer Relationships Manger said, “At Superior Plumbing & Heating we always strive for superior service for our customers. Solutions we offer are always turnkey remedies, not quick patches. We always stand behind our work and our exceptional full year warranty on all services we provide is proof to that. We also regularly check our prices with competitors to ensure that we offer market competitive prices to our clients.”
A buildup of debris removed from a pipe is seen here.
“If clients have decided to go with the other service provider at a cheaper price, that means that they have chosen a cost efficient solution but not necessarily a turnkey remedy to the problem. They have got a different solution which obviously would have been cheaper with us as well. However, we would not be able to provide Superior warranty for our work in that case.”
In the company’s contract there is a 25 per cent non refundable retainer fee. Ross said, “This is a common practice among many trades since once deposit is taken we immediately start preparation for the installation process which most of the time requires ordering special equipment, renting machinery and parts.”
“We always sign the contract with the customer prior to taking a deposit where all the conditions and work provided are described, as well as sign with the customer a completion certificate after the job is completed to ensure that we have delivered promised work.”
“There are no hidden or surprise fees with Superior Plumbing & Heating, everything is according to a signed agreement between us and the customer. It is worth mentioning that our clients always get a copy of their signed contract to ensure full transparency and disclosure,” said Ross.
Ross told CTV News both customers had their money returned to them in full when they decided to choose a different provider.
Both Kennedy and Dominguez said they were relieved they got second opinions before going ahead with the work.
It can be wise to get a second opinion on any major job or renovation and you may want to reach out to friends and family when trying to find a contractor.
Also be careful signing contracts which may contain clauses regarding non-refundable fees or deposits.
