, ,

Garden Decor Ideas to Enjoy The Last of Summer in Your Yard

outdoor renovation red deer

Is anyone else in complete disbelief that it’s already August?! It never ceases to amaze us how fast our short summer months fly by here in Red Deer, Alberta. If you haven’t already started that outdoor renovation project or little garden job — don’t worry! It’s not too late to add those finishing touches to your garden or backyard. There is still a lot of summer left to enjoy it. You might feel like taking your garden to the next level requires too much effort for how late it is in the season. But trust us, when you get outside to enjoy it or entertain guests, it’s so worth it. Here are our top outdoor garden decor ideas (minimum effort required) to get you inspired to enhance your yard!

  • Add a Garden Water Feature

    There is nothing more relaxing than listening to the sound of running water. With a small, simple pond or an elaborate fountain, you, your family and any guests will love sitting out in your yard turned spa-like oasis.

  • Add a Play Area

    Not all of us can afford an infinity pool or a custom outdoor fireplace. Sometimes adding toys and features that entertain the kids is the equivalent to a little slice of paradise for parents. You get the kids off of technology and playing in the fresh air, and it allows you to play outside with them as well. Consider buying a plastic pool, water table or little jungle gym to keep the kiddos entertained and give you a little peace and quiet.

  • Add a Picnic Table

    family enjoying an afresco dinner in their backyard on a picnic tableYou don’t always need a full outdoor dining set to enjoy an alfresco meal. Your outdoor table can be as simple as rustic wooden planks hammered together with benches to sit on! If you are planning to have guests over for a beautiful outdoor dinner, you can easily elevate your picnic table with a table runner, some greenery and candles. The trends towards more relaxed and boho picnic-style dining is in your favour!

     

  • Add a Pergola

    Adding a pergola to your garden is a great way to create shade and aesthetic appeal. This simple addition also gives you a lot more garden decor options, like stringing lights, hanging flowers or putting up curtains for a semi-enclosed outdoor room.

  • Add Smart Technology

    Modern technology can be a gamechanger for your backyard. Now, for your outdoor gatherings, you can buy Bluetooth speakers that can blend into the landscape that can be controlled from your smartphone. Also, if you install smart LED lights in your garden, you can customize your outdoor lighting through your mobile device!

  • Add a Hammock

    A hammock is the best feature you could add to your garden to truly relax and enjoy the last of summer. You can buy one online and string it between two trees, or a pergola if you have one — or look for a freestanding one instead!

 

 

Autumn is fast approaching. But, that doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel and leave your garden or backyard project until next year. If you add one of the garden decor ideas to your yard, we’re sure it’ll enhance the last few weeks you have to enjoy it — until next year. Get outside and enjoy that sunshine!

P.S.

You might also like: ‘Tips for Planning the PerfectGarden.‘

Check out some of our home improvement projects in our gallery.

Have a backyard makeover project in mind? Contact us!

/by
, , ,

Make the Most of a Small Deck: 5 Creative Deck Design Ideas

outdoor cedar deck renovation red deer

Do you have big-deck dreams but small-deck constraints? No problem. You can still have an inviting outdoor dining and lounging area – no matter the size of your deck. It just takes an extra dose of creativity with your design and deck construction. Ready to transform you small deck into an alfresco dining oasis? Here are our top small deck design ideas to rethink your square footage and make the best use of the space you have.

 

1. Optimize Your Deck Construction & Design

If you’re building an entirely new deck, pick a shape that gives you a lot of options for how you use the space. Rectangular decks are really popular and are easy to separate into sections for outdoor dining and lounging. 

If you’re revamping an existing deck, consider how you can adjust the layout to improve the flow. Try to make the deck design more efficient by fitting large items like cooking equipment or furniture into corners. If you’re looking to upgrade your deck without investing in completely new deck construction, consider investing in built-in seating, like an outdoor sectional. 

 

woman sitting on her outdoor furniture on her small deck

2. Pick the Right Outdoor Furniture

When space is at a premium, you don’t want to dominate your deck with oversized furniture. Large furniture, or too much small furniture, will make your deck feel cluttered and smaller than it actually is. Instead, choose furniture that suits the space and still leaves enough room for you to comfortably walk through.

We have one more tip when it comes to outdoor furniture, try to find furniture that has multiple design options. For example, an outdoor table that can extend if you are having company and need to seat more people. This gives you the opportunity to accommodate more guests without sacrificing the space you have daily. 

 

3. Free Up Floor Space

One way to make the most of a small space is to avoid putting as much on the ground as possible. Luckily, when it comes to outdoor areas, there are so many hanging design elements that you can choose from.

Rather than putting large potted plants on your deck, hang them overhead. You can also hang lanterns and lights to add more to the design without taking away any extra wiggle room!

 

4. Create an Indoor-Outdoor Flow

A great way to instantly make your deck feel larger than it is is to create a natural flow between the deck and the room inside that it connects to. If you use this deck design idea, you can leave the door between the deck and the indoor room open and your deck becomes an extension of whatever is going on inside. This is particularly great if you love entertaining and want people to naturally move in and out of your home to make the most of the limited space.

 

5. Add Touches of Your Style

This tip is great because it can be as expensive or inexpensive as you like. For example, adding an outdoor rug is an easy way to give a small deck design some style without crowding the area or adding clutter. You could also add interest to the walls around your deck with vines, arbour or even wall hangings. This is your opportunity to show off your tastes and get creative!

 

Just because you have a small deck, doesn’t mean it can’t be a beautiful and functional space. With some creative small deck design ideas and a few simple touches of your unique style, you can make a little space go a long way!

 

P.S.

You might also like: ‘Improve Your Outdoor Look: 4 Ideas for Your Patio or Deck‘

[VIEW DECK RENOVATIONS]

Check out some of our home improvement projects in our gallery.

Have a backyard makeover project in mind? Contact us!

/by
, , , ,

5 Questions to Ask When Looking for the Right Home Builder

an unfinished custom home in the middle of construction

Your home is probably your most prized possession. Your home is where the majority of your time is spent, and your memories are made. So, when you decide to do a home renovation project or build a custom home, it’s critical that you find a home builder that you can trust. Asking these important questions will help you find the right home builder for your project and help you bring your dream home to life.

 

How much experience do you have?

One of your requirements when selecting a home builder should be that they have at least five years of experience in your city. When a home builder has been in business for five years or more, it shows you that they have a solid reputation and the experience needed to do a good job. Also, in a province like Alberta, where we experience extreme weather conditions and changes – it’s crucial to partner with a local builder that is familiar with the specific details that need to be taken into consideration.

 

Can I see past projects you’ve completed?

If a home builder is proud of the work they do, there will be no hesitation when you ask to see some of their past projects or for references from homeowners they’ve worked with. How they respond to this request will give you insight into if they are actually credible. If it’s an option, try to visit an active worksite. This will help you see how the team operates and how organized they are.

 

What’s the warranty you offer on your projects?

What happens if you move into your custom home and the floor develops a crack, or you start to notice water damage? It’s critical that before you sign any contract, you have a firm understanding of the warranty the home builder offers.

Homestead Custom Carpentry is a proud member of the Alberta New Home Warranty Program. The Program has been protecting homeowners for over 45 years with its professional and reputable coverage. They are an independent, not-for-profit new home warranty provider serving approximately 700 Builder Members—only the very best builders in Alberta. With our membership with the Alberta New Home Warranty Program, all of our projects include the following coverage:

  • Deposit Protection
  • Builder Performance Protection
  • First Year Workmanship & Materials Protection
  • 5 Year Structural Integrity Protection
  • 10 Year Structural Integrity Protection (Optional)
  • Additional Living Expenses Protection

construction home builders working at a table saw at a job site

What will be the timeline from project start to completion?

Now, it’s unlikely that a home builder will be able to give you an exact timeline. However, if you can get references from other homeowners who have worked with them, you’ll be able to get a good idea of what to expect. Also, don’t look for the home builder that provides you with the shortest timeline. You want the timeline they give you to be an honest estimate and not an optimistic guess to make the sale. It is also a good idea to ask them what tools their team uses to track their schedule and progress. If the builder doesn’t have the tools to provide you with a detailed timeline, it’s not a good sign that they’ll be able to keep the project on track. 

Looking for more information on preparing for a home renovation project? Check out our post, on the Top Home Renovation Mistakes (and tips to avoid them).

 

How do you ensure that you stay on budget?

From the very beginning, you want to make sure that your home builder is upfront about costs and transparent about what is and isn’t included in your build. 

At Homestead, transparency and keeping clients informed is extremely important to us. Because of this, we update our budgets every week. That way, our clients always see the most up to date budgets possible. To avoid cost overruns, we typically set a reserve budget aside to handle unplanned contingencies alongside the budget. Proper planning and accurate projections are important from the beginning to schedule scope and scheduled baselines.

 

Renovating your family home or starting a custom home project is an exciting process. Like any big decision, it’s important that you do your homework when selecting who you partner with. Meet with many home builders, get several estimates and don’t be afraid to ask the questions you need to be answered.

Check out some of our Red Deer home renovation and custom home projects in our gallery.

Have a home renovation project in mind for this summer? Contact us!

/by
, , ,

Top 4 Causes of Home Renovation Delays

As a custom carpentry company in Red Deer, we see half-finished, on-hold and delayed home renovation projects all the time. If you are planning on doing a home renovation, you probably don’t want to hear this but its almost a guarantee that your project will have delays – some avoidable and some unavoidable. Delays are caused by anything, the homeowner, the homebuilder, the weather and much more. When it comes to home renovations, delays are the rule more often than they are the exception. But you aren’t entirely powerless – you can prepare for whatever may come your way.

The best way to avoid unnecessary delays and navigate the unavoidable ones is to understand and anticipate the most common causes. Here are the top four causes of delays on home renovation projects we see in Red Deer – and some ideas to help you keep your project on track as much as possible.

1. Permit Delays

man using a ballpoint pen to fill out an application form at a wooden deskThe City of Red Deer requires that every homeowner who wishes to do a renovation project gets a Building Permit. This is pretty standard for most cities, but the process can still be frustrating and time-consuming. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to the permit process taking longer than expected. A lot of which are out of your control. Something you can do to streamline the process is making sure you have all the required plans and documents ready before you submit your application. Also, be sure to check out the City website for more details on what you need to do for your specific project and get as much of it figured out as possible before you submit your application.

2. Long Lead Times and Back Orders

Long lead times and back orders are one of the most common delays we see – but they aren’t entirely unavoidable! It’s best to order as many of your materials as possible at the forefront of your project, to avoid these delays. It might seem counter-intuitive to select a lighting fixture when you’re just starting your home renovation. But, if you wait until closer to the time the electrician is coming to install the fixtures, and the one you select is back ordered for two months, you will regret not making your selections sooner!

3. Subcontractor Schedules

Depending on the scope of your home renovation, your homebuilder will need to hire subcontractors (painters, plumbers, framers, electricians, etc.) Unfortunately, sometimes your homebuilder’s preferred subcontractor is booked when they need them to come into your project. Most builders take a lot of time to build long-term relationships with their subcontractors. So, it’s not always an option to hire another company. Their preferred subcontractors are often people they trust to do an excellent job at a fair price. So, even though these relationships may result in delays, it’s usually in your best interest to wait.

4. Weather

black umbrella outside, covered in rain droplets

Unlike everything else in this list, the weather is something both the homeowner and homebuilder have no control over. Do keep in mind that if you opt to do your home renovation during a time when it’s cold, snowy, rainy, or even uncharacteristically hot – your timeline may be affected.

 

When you hire a home builder for your home renovation project, it’s completely normal to expect them to give you an accurate schedule. However, it’s also essential to prepare yourself for the possibility of delays. Every homebuilder, no matter how skilled or experienced, can be affected by back orders or a delayed permit process. You can help the process by knowing and preparing for the common causes of delays and by adjusting your project plans and timeline as they occur!

 

Check out some of our Red Deer home renovation projects in our gallery.

Have a home renovation project in mind for this summer? Contact us!

/by
, ,

8 Affordable Backyard Ideas to Get Your Yard Ready for Summer

backyard patio with lawn furniture and umbrella

As Canadians, we have a tendency to wait until the heat of the summer to transform our backyards. By the time we finish our backyard projects its often just in time to pack up for winter. With how short our Alberta summers are, all of us at Homestead think it makes more sense to get the outdoor projects out of the way in spring so we can enjoy the space all summer. We also want to emphasize that backyard projects don’t always have to be construction projects. There are many cost-effective ways to enhance your yard. So, we’ve made a list of our top 8 affordable backyard ideas to get your yard ready for summer now, so you can make the most of the short months of sunshine!

1. Stain or paint your deck.

Sometimes all it takes is a fresh coat of stain or paint to give your deck the facelift it needs.  Likewise, painting your outdoor chairs, table and planters can completely enhance your yard and make it feel brand new!

2. Add pillows to your outdoor furniture.

Don’t forget that your yard is more than a place for your kids to play, it’s a place to relax and lounge! Add pillows to your outdoor furniture or buy ready-made floor pillows for your deck. Keep in mind, everything can be a little bolder outside, don’t be afraid of bright colours and patterns.

3. Plant flowers.

Adding planters and hanging plants to your backyard is an incredibly affordable way to take your yard to the next level. Depending on your time and budget you can build your own raised planter beds or buy them new. When you fill them with flowers or vegetables your yard will get an instant pop of colour and beauty that will make it more enjoyable to spend time in.

4. Buy or build a firepit.

People love to gather around a fire. By investing in a fire pit, you are preparing your yard that much more for the memory-making summer has in store. You can get crafty and build your own or buy one that suits your outdoor decor!

5. Create ambience with string lights.

Is there any better backyard idea that sets the perfect mood than string lighting? You can string lights along your fence, on your deck and throughout trees to add some charm to the space for those summer evenings shared with friends.

6. Add an outdoor carpet to your deck.

Durable outdoor carpets are a great way to add a pop of colour to your outdoor space. They also make your deck that much more comfortable to walk across — with or without shoes!

7. Set up a hammock.

A hammock is the perfect backyard addition for both kids and adults. When you set up a hammock on your deck or between trees in your yard, it will instantly feel more relaxing and inviting.

8. Set up lawn games.

Complete your backyard makeover by setting up lawn games. Croquet, bocce ball and ladder golf are just a few of the games you can add to include recreation in your outdoor space. What better way to spend a summer evening than by playing yard games with the whole family!

By following these 10 backyard ideas, you can create a backyard oasis on any budget before summer even arrives!

Check out some of our home improvement projects in our gallery.

Have a backyard makeover project in mind? Contact us!

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Alberta Rebates for Your Next Home Improvement Project

Energy Efficient Alberta logo

Almost 20% of the energy consumed in Canada is used to run our homes. With this in mind, the amount of energy your home needs to function, energy efficiency is more relevant than ever! Energy-efficient homes can be linked to increased comfort and healthier living. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower the cost of owning and maintaining your home.

If you’re an Albertan homeowner and would like to improve the efficiency of your home these rebates can help you spend less to achieve that goal. We know keeping track of all the tax deductions and energy efficiency rebates available can be overwhelming. That’s why we compiled a list of available rebates for Albertans looking to do energy-conserving home improvement projects and save big in the process.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Green Home

With CMHC’s Green Home Program, you can save when you invest in an energy-efficient home. If you buy, build, or renovate for energy efficiency using CMHC-insured financing, you could receive a 15% rebate for building a home to ENERGY STAR® standards or up to 25% for building a home to R-2000 building standards.

Energy Efficiency Alberta (EEA) Home Improvement Rebate Program

EEA’s Home Improvement Rebates are performance-based. Meaning, the more energy your home improvement project saves, the more money you’ll get back in rebate. When you work with a participating Alberta contractor to increase the energy efficiency of your home, you have the opportunity to save big!

Drain Water Heat Recovery

Drain water heat recovery (DWHR) devices capture heat destined for the sewer and transfer it to cold water coming into your hot water heater. This results in less energy being required to heat your water to the desired temperature. You can receive up to $500 from EEA, for the installation of a new DWHR device.

Insulation

By improving the insulation in your home, you can reduce your energy expenses and increase your home’s value! Energy Efficiency Alberta’s rebates available for insulation are based on where the insulation is applied, how much insulation is added and how many square feet receive the upgrade. Rebates of up to $3500 are available for the installation of new insulation in your home.

Windows

When you upgrade your windows to new ENERGY STAR® triple pane, argon windows you increase your home’s value and increase air tightness. Further, they can reduce energy loss and road noise. Rebates of up to $1500 are available for the installation of new, energy-efficient windows.

Tankless Hot Water Heater

An ENERGY STAR® approved tankless water heater takes up less space in your home and wastes less energy. Additionally, tankless water heaters provide hot water faster than traditional hot water heaters. With rebates of up to $1000 available for installing a tankless hot water heater, it’s the most cost-effective way to heat your water!

Red Deer Toilet Rebate Program

With Red Deer’s Toilet Rebate Program, you can save money, save water and save energy! Replace your high-flow toilet with a dual-flush toilet and receive a $50 rebate. Or, replace it with a low-flow toilet (6 L or less) and receive a $25 rebate.

If you want some more information on how you can save on energy, check out Energy Efficiency Alberta’s Home Efficiency Tool. This tool will help you discover how much power and money you can save by upgrading appliances, lighting and more in your home.

Check out some of our home improvement projects in our gallery.

Considering a home renovation project? Want to learn more about how we can help you improve the energy efficiency of your home? Contact us!

/0 Comments/by
, , , ,

Elevate Your Bathroom with these Luxury Shower Ideas

Top home renovations Red Deer | Homestead Custom Carpentry

You’re shower doesn’t have to be something you hide behind a shower curtain. Imagine having a brand-new, remodeled bathroom shower, with bright, gleaming walls. You don’t always have time to talk a hot, soothing bath. But with the right bathroom renovation your can create a walk-in shower that is just as relaxing and luxurious. Here are Homestead’s top luxury shower tips to take your bathroom to the next level.

Maximize Natural Light

Showers can feel cramped and cave-like – you need to brighten it up to make your shower a bright and inviting place for your morning routine. The best way to do this is by combining a corner unit with frameless glass walls to get the most out of the natural light your bathroom gets. If possible, adding a skylight above the shower can bring in significantly more light and make it feel larger.

Round Out Your Shower for Small Spaces

When space is tight, the best way to make the most of a small area is by adding a corner shower. Rounded corner shower enclosures come with a fantastic feature: doors that slide on tracks, instead of swinging outward.

Open-Air Shower Ceilings

The more enclosed a shower is — the more prone the bathroom will be to mold and mildew. A great way to increase air circulation is by popping off the shower ceiling for more natural light and air flow.

Frameless Shower Door

A frameless shower enclosure uses sturdy tempered glass that does not require the support of metal around its exterior edges. One reason frameless shower doors are so popular is that they help showcase beautiful stonework, intricate tile designs and gleaming hardware.

Add a Shower Seat

What’s the best way to make a shower inviting and relaxing? Add a place to sit down and unwind! Like we said earlier – you need a bath to relax. Adding a bench to your shower gives you a spa seat, a place to prop your leg if your shaving and a shelf for additional bottles or soaps.

Multiple Shower Heads

Get maximum shower pressure and luxury by installing multiple shower heads like wall-mount, handheld and rain-style. One of our favourite shower additions is a rainfall showerhead that pours water from the ceiling and mimics rain in the most relaxing way.

Custom Tile

When renovating your bathroom, don’t overlook the tile. Tile enhances the style of a walk-in shower and is a great way to add colour and texture to what could otherwise be a bland room.

Steam Shower

Imagine it’s the end of a long day out in the cold. You get home, hop into your shower, push a button and sit in warm room of steam. By adding a hidden steam generator to your floor-to-ceiling walk-in shower you elevate your bathroom and create a spa-like experience in your own home.

Additional Shower Shelving

You know how quickly the limited shelf-space in your shower gets filled with soaps and shampoos — especially when multiple people share the same bathroom. When it comes in-shower shelving, there is no such thing as too much space.

Waterproofing

While not luxurious this tip is practical and important. Keeping water in the shower and away from subflooring, is a major issue with any shower remodel. But, you can significantly improve it by using a waterproofing membrane. No longer do you have to tile your shower with cement board, mortar and tile only.

Showers have a wide range of design options. You can go wet-room style, enclosure style, corner showers, tub-shower combos – the list goes on and on. When renovating your bathroom it can feel overwhelming but when you consider the space you have and your budget you can figure out what will work for you and design the shower of your dreams. We hope our list of luxury shower ideas have inspired you for your bathroom renovation!

Check out some of our bathroom renovation projects in our gallery.

Considering a home renovation project? Want to learn more about custom luxury showers? Contact us!

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Transform Your Closet with these Closet Organizer Tips

clothes hanging in an organized closet

It seems everyone is talking about KonMari method and the corresponding Netflix show, “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo.” If you haven’t watched it yet, you’ve probably heard about it. Marie Kondo’s organization and decluttering methods have taken the internet by storm. The KonMari Method is Marie Kondo’s minimalism-inspired approach to tackling your stuff. Rather than organizing little by little, she advocates an epic cleaning sweep: Keep only what “sparks joy,” discard everything else, and assign a home for everything within your home.

When we binged the show on Netflix, we couldn’t help but notice that the master closet was consistently one of the most disastrously disorganized areas of the homes. As a result, we’ve been inspired to share some of our top closet organizer ideas for more closet storage.

1. Custom Drawers

For an optimally organized closet, drawers are a must. You can even take it a step further by added smaller boxes and organizers within the drawers to separate the contents. Details like this might seem small but that they can make your routine simpler by making things that much easier to find.

2. Cubbies & Shelves

Just because your closet didn’t come with built in shelves and cubbies, doesn’t mean you can’t have them! Simple shelving can go a long way. By putting up shelving units or having a custom carpenter add a built in – your organization level will immediately go up a notch. Shelves create more storage for hard to store items like shoes, bags and miscellaneous items.

3. Storage Baskets

One of our favourite closet organizer tips from Marie Kondo is to use baskets to organize wherever possible. She also has a specific ‘KonMari’ folding technique. Rather than haphazardly laying things flat in a drawer, she says they should stand upright. This allows you to see everything in the drawer and pull out what you need without pulling everything out and ruining the organization. Another tip with storage baskets is to get clear or see-through wire ones if you can. This is so you can see what’s in a basket without digging around.

4. Dirty Laundry Organization

Having a pile of dirty clothes building on the floor of your closet is probably the best way to make it feel disorganized and cluttered. Consider buying upright laundry baskets with multiple sections to organize your laundry — if you have room. Doing your laundry will be easier than ever with your items already sorted and ready to go in the wash.

5. Kid Hangers

This super simple closet organizer tip can give a lot more space! Rather than folding your pants on regular-sized hangers buy some kids-sized ones to save space. If you can find felt ones, even better! The felt keeps your pants from slipping off the hanger when you fold them over.

6. Add a Dresser & Mirror

If you have a walk-in closet, consider moving your dresser inside and placing a mirror on top. It will make your closet a room for you to get ready in every morning. It will also free up a little more space in your bedroom.

The key to organizing your closet is learning how to best use the space you have. Whether you have a huge walk-in closet with custom built-ins or a tiny closet that barely fit your clothes- we hope our closet organizer tips have helped. They might seem like small changes but trust us, organizing your closet helps you organize your life!

Check out some of our projects in our gallery.

Considering a home renovation project? Want to learn more about custom closet built-ins? Contact us!


/0 Comments/by
, , ,

3 Things You Need to Know About Your Home’s Insulation During Winter

contractor insulating home for winter using spray foam home insulation

When you live somewhere like Red Deer, losing heat in your home is no joke. Especially during the winter, when your furnace is working overtime. When you’re losing heat, you adjust your thermostat but the temperature doesn’t rise (although, your utility bill does), and you’re still not getting the warmth you need. To address this problem, we need to talk about insulation. Here are 3 things you need to know about your insulation to avoid losing heat in your home this winter.

One thing to note before we talk more about insulation is R-value. R-value refers to the capacity an insulating material has to resist heat flow. The higher R-Value, the better the material can insulate.

1. Seal Your Vapour Barrier

Vapour barriers are installed along, in or around walls, ceilings or floors to prevent moisture from spreading and potentially causing water damage. Damage from water condensation due to water vapour movement can wreak havoc on the sturdiest of homes and threaten the effectiveness of insulation.

Another key way to seal off your home from potential damage caused by moisture is by using spray foam insulation. Holes and cracks in your walls and crawl space can allow entrance to water and moisture. Spray foam insulation is impermeable to water. This means that not only will spray foam thoroughly seal and protect your home from airborne moisture and leaks, but if flooding should occur in the area, spray foam insulation will not absorb the water like other materials will. Even 2 inches of foam removes need for other sealant wraps.

2. Save on Energy with Spray Foam Insulation

There are two types of spray foam insulation: Closed Cell and Open Cell

  • Open cell foam is permeable to moisture, but impermeable to air, while closed cell foam stops air and moisture.
  • Closed cell spray foam provides the highest R-Value offering a value of up to 7 per inch.
  • Here, we will be referring to closed cell spray foam insulation.

While spray foam is more expensive than other insulation options, it is such a powerful insulator that in the long term it will save you a lot of money on energy. It has even shown to provide energy savings at an average of 50% or more, unlike other types of insulation that average a savings rate of about 30%.

Further, the inert polymer that spray foam insulation is made of allows it to have an indefinite lifespan. When you invest in spray foam insulation, you can save money over the course of years by avoiding the need to re-insulate.

3. Stay Away from Styrofoam Insulation

While styrofoam insulation helps to increase wall R-values and lower heat losses, it can also compromise your home’s infrastructure long term. In a cold climate (like Red Deer in the winter) during the heating season, moisture vapour inside a home is driven outward into exterior walls. When it reaches the surface that’s below the dew point, the vapour condenses into a liquid. Styrofoam insulation creates a vapour-impermeable barrier, so the wall has limited drying potential.

There are better ways of increasing R-values and reducing thermal bridging, than using styrofoam insulation. These include, using double-framed walls or foam board on the interior. Also, cellulose insulation and other natural materials are better than petrochemical plastics because they are more forgiving of the inevitable moisture problems a house will encounter over its lifetime.

Check out some of our projects in our gallery.

Considering a home renovation project ? Contact us!

/2 Comments/by
, , ,

When to Move & When to Start a Home Improvement Project

moving van uhaul in front of house during home improvement project

When you’ve called your house home for a long time but have start to outgrow it – it can be hard to say goodbye. You ask yourself, should we put it up for sale and upgrade with a new build home? Or do we start a home improvement project and remodel it to meet our needs? To move or to improve – that is the question. To make this decision you will have to think about how attached you are to your home, what your budget is and if your home is a real fixer upper – would it even be worth the investment. We know how big of a decision this can be to make. That’s why we encourage you take all of these considerations into account before making a final decision.

Do you need more room or more rooms?

home improvement project interior design room

A common motivating factor for wanting to move is needing more space. If your family has grown and your home needs to accommodate more members, you can get away with just a smarter layout. By renovating your home to add another room, but not necessarily more square footage you can avoid moving entirely. Talk with a custom carpentry company or designer and see if this is an option for your home. If you can’t find a spot for another room, it might be best to sell and buy new.

Also, before committing to moving or improving, see if you can declutter and uncover valuable unused space in your home. If lack of space is your main issue, sometimes clearing out the unnecessary junk and organizing your home can buy you more time where you are.

Do you have the time for a renovation?

clock time for home improvement project

When weighing the pros and cons of each option, remember the time and inconvenience factors that come with each. In both scenarios you will have to uproot your family and life for at least a short amount of time. A home improvement project can be long, arduous process that demands patience and flexibility. On the other hand, if the thought of packing up and leaving the comfort of your current home seems overwhelms you, the discomforts of a renovation might be preferable.

What will be your ROI?

home improvement project coins next to wooden home return on investment roi

Before deciding whether to remodel or sell, factor in the potential ROI you could see on either option. A lot of home improvements don’t pay for themselves in the form of a higher sale price. When it comes to moving, you need to consider if you would be in the new home long enough to offset the moving costs and a new mortgage.

Figuring out which option will be more beneficial to financially depends on many factors. Your ROI on renovating or moving will depend upon your home, your budget and your needs. In cities where homes are less expensive, it is often cheaper to buy than to build. In cities and neighborhoods that are in high demand, it may be cheaper to build an addition or renovate outdated spaces.

Location, location, location.

location marker graphic iconfor home improvement project

When it comes to evaluating the worth of your home – don’t forget it’s sentimental value. If you live close to friends and great neighbours, moving can be hard on everyone. Also, consider the schools close to your home or the convenience of your commute. If your current home is lacking in any or all of these areas – a move might be ideal.

Also, consider your location before investing in a big home improvement project. If you put a lot of money into your home but it’s not in a highly-desired neighbourhood, you could have trouble selling in the future.


If you find yourself at a crossroads and are trying to decide whether to move or improve – weigh out all of these factors. There is no one size fits all answer to this question. Whether you buy new or start a home improvement project, all of us at Homestead are here to help.


Check out some of our projects in our gallery.

Considering a home improvement project ? Contact us!

/0 Comments/by