Most interior walls are finished with drywall. Because it is a softer material, it can easily be dinged, dented and damaged. Fortunately, minor drywall repair is a DIY job most homeowners can manage. Major drywall projects, however, should be left to the pros. Photo Credit: Dakota Interior Ltd. The first thing you’ll need to do is pick up some supplies. Everything you need can be found at your local building supply store. The most important supply you’ll need is a quality joint compound, also known as drywall mud. Compounds come in different sized containers, but if it’s not a huge repair you won’t need that much. Thankfully, this material can keep for a very long time when sealed properly, so if you buy more than you need, you’ll likely use it again…

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Building a detached garage has many benefits. Having a protected place to park your vehicles will reduce wear and tear and ensure your car will start during a cold Calgary winter! You can build a garage to use as a workshop and for additional storage. You can also build a secondary suite in a new garage and use it to earn rental income. Photo Credit: Knight Carpentry Inc. Whatever your reason for building a garage might be, you do have some options. You can choose to purchase a pre-fabricated garage package and build the garage yourself or you can hire garage builders in Calgary to do it for you.

DIY Garage Packages

Garage packages usually consist of pre-fabricated trusses, lumber for the walls, a garage door, man door, siding, shingles and…

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If you're like most Canadian homeowners, you've worried about rising energy costs over the last few years, are concerned about paying high utility bills now, and are wondering how all of these expenses will impact your budget. Keeping your home comfortable in every season can be challenging especially if you've got drafty windows or insufficient insulation. During the winter months, you may have been tempted to turn up the thermostat to take the chill off but instead put on another sweater to save a few dollars. Don't forget about those dog days of summer that are just around the corner. Are you going to crank up the air conditioning as a reprieve from the heat or open the windows hoping for a natural breeze to give you a few cool hours of comfortable…

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Asphalt shingles are by far the most common type of roofing material used, but you will find a variety of roofing materials used on Edmonton homes including metal, wood and tile. If you have a low-pitched or flat roof, you’ll need a special roofing system altogether. Here is some information on different types of roofing, including the pros and cons of each. Photo Credit: Crest Roofing & Co.

Asphalt Roof

Pros: Asphalt roofing is the most affordable roofing option. Asphalt shingles are durable, stand up well to Alberta’s changing climate and can last 15 or more. They come in a variety of colours and can easily match your home’s exterior design. Roofing contractors in Edmonton usually offer good warranties on asphalt roofs that are owner-transferrable…

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You probably don’t think about your plumbing system very often, until there is a problem! Once you do detect an issue, it should get your immediate attention. Putting off repairing your plumbing could result in expensive water damage and even more costly repairs. It’s also important to look for plumbing issues in a home you might be considering to purchase. Anything causing water damage or moisture issues could mean there is mildew and mould lurking in the walls. If so, this can be hazardous to your health and will have to be dealt with immediately. Moisture can also damage the insulation, framing, drywall and other parts of the home and can be a real headache to deal with. Though the majority of the plumbing system is inside the walls, there are some…

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Situated on the North Saskatchewan river, Edmonton, AB, attracts many pests. Mosquitoes are especially prevalent in the area, drawn to humidity and standing water. Another major problem for residents, ants frequently invade homes in the area. Lured into buildings by spilled grease, sweets, meats, and crumbs, Pharaoh ants will nest inside year-round. Carpenter ants are of more concern, though, as these pests will excavate wood to make their nesting site. Finally, carpet beetles hide underneath carpets and baseboards, as well as in dark closets, and can cause serious damage when left unchecked.

Potential Problems Caused by Home Pests

Like any unwanted guest, their presence can be extremely annoying and inconvenient. Beyond that, these pests cause serious…

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If your driveway is cracked, sinking in areas and generally looking worse-for-wear, it might be time for a new concrete driveway. Not only will a new driveway improve curb appeal, it will also boost resale value, make shoveling snow easier and give you extra space to park your vehicles. Photo Credit: Con-Tile Industries Here are the advantages to installing a new concrete driveway:

Concrete will increase property value.

Boost your curb appeal and you’ll boost your home’s resale value. If you’re planning on selling, a good first impression can actually add value to your home. The driveway and walkways are the first things a potential home buyer is going to see when they check out your house. If your concrete is sinking and in dire need of…

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Planning a renovation project in your home can be especially challenging if you're living there while the work is being done. Add a couple kids and pets to the mix and you've got yourself a very chaotic household. Whether you're doing the work yourself or hiring a contractor, once your project is underway even simple tasks will be difficult. Personal items will be moved from their usual spots, tools and equipment will block well-traveled traffic areas, and work zone noise and dust will permeate your entire home. To reduce the stress associated with your disrupted routine you'll need to take these crucial steps BEFORE you start these home renovations: The first thing you'll want to do: Set up a temporary family staging centre in an area away from…

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Building a deck will enhance your outdoor living space by giving you a place to relax, dine, entertain and spend time as a family. Building a deck will increase your own personal enjoyment of your yard and will also enhance the value of your home. Photo credit: Alberta Vinyl Decking & Railing Ltd. Here are some reasons why you should build a deck:

Increase your property value.

If you think you’d enjoy having a new deck, you can assume potential buyers would feel the same way. An outdoor living space is attractive to buyers, can help you sell your home faster and will increase your property value. According to Remodelling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report for 2017, you can expect to recoup over 71% of the cost of building your deck. The numbers of…

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Most of the time, few of us actually know where to put and where we have put things in the garage. This makes it even harder to find things after the organizing is done. Implementing specific zones in the garage can make finding your items and tools easier. Here are few ideas and simple steps to help take your garage to the next level. Plan the zones. Before starting to organize anything, plan zones specific to your family’s needs. Your garage could have a mudroom zone, beach zone, snow removal zone, etc. This is a wonderful customized plan that is entirely based on what you actually use. Start simple. As with anything, don’t stress yourself out so badly that you lose your taste for organizing. There are so many different ways to organize the garage…

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