One of the underlying goals of any renovation project is to make the space more usable and up to date. Considering the current trends in society and the needs that our planet will have in the future, it makes sense to consider the environment during a renovation. These “green” concerns do not only apply to home remodeling; they can play a part in renovating a commercial space as well.

First off, let’s discuss what we mean when we say “green.” Going green refers to any practice, be it single or repeated, that we maintain with the goal of creating better environmental outcomes. Some of the environmental outcomes that we are looking for would be:

• Reduced use of energy
• Improved sustainability, which means adding materials that need to be replaced less often or can be replaced from natural, readily available sources
• Increased emphasis on reusing and recycling

While those are not all of the things that are involved in going green, they apply to our discussion about an environmentally friendly office. Creating a green office will likely require some physical changes, which means you will want the help of an experienced handyman. The handyman will be able to advise you on what building materials you can purchase and what other additions you can make that will increase you work space’s environmental efficiency. Keep in mind that going green can save your business some money.

Ask your handyman about:

• Installing energy efficient windows. Modern windows are made differently; they can reflect the sun better and keep outside heat from affecting the inside of your office. You will see this immediately in your power bill, especially here in Florida. If you do not want to go all out and replace windows, ask your handyman to install blinds and drapes over windows to produce a similar effect.
• Installing energy efficient appliances. Every office has toilets, sinks and other appliances that a handyman can replace for you. Newer model equipment is designed to use less water which can save you money on a daily basis. Ask about Energy Star compliance to ensure that your new equipment will save water.
• Using sustainable materials. We recommend a two-faceted approach:
  • First off, decide which materials can be reused. Some of the materials that are already in your office may be useful in another part of the renovation; it is greener to avoid throwing away useful countertops, trim, etc. Some estimates say that a resourceful handyman can reuse up to 70% of the materials in your office during a renovation.
  • Secondly, use recycled or perishable materials. You can currently find building materials such as drywall, insulation and even paint that has been manufactured using readily available, easily replaceable products.
• Using solar energy. Using solar energy means that you pay for the equipment and then stop paying the power company. Over time the equipment will pay for itself—and then some–if maintained correctly. In addition to that, the Fed currently refunds up to 30% of your out-of-pocket equipment cost. A handyman can mount solar panels on top of or around you building to power everything or particular equipment. Keep in mind that a copier uses a lot of energy even when it sits idle, so powering it naturally will save you money every day. Whether you are in Orlando or Ft. Lauderdale we both know that you have more than enough sun 12 months a year to justify solar expenses.

These are just a few of the things that a knowledgeable handyman can help you with when you want to update your commercial space. Going green will save you money and have positive effects on the image of your company. Some simple commercial renovations can really make a difference.

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

SOURCES

Handyman Connection-Commercial Renovations
Cal Recycle (California.gov)
GreenDepot.com
City of Seattle- Sustainable Building
HowSolarWorks.org
APS.com

So you have decided to go through with the home renovation project that you have been considering. It probably feels good to know that soon you will have a remodeled home to enjoy. The only issue is deciding who you are going to hire to do the work for you. You do not want to invite just anyone into your home, and on top of that you want to best quality workmanship that you can get and a reasonable price. The fact of the matter is, you have some research to do.

First you need to put together a list of potential handymen. We recommend two ways of doing this. The first is to seek a recommendation from someone who knows that company. Maybe it’s a friend or a neighbor or maybe you look here for reference on the internet. If these options do not work for you, it is likely that you can find a list of state certified professionals on the internet. Many of these choices will be listed as general contractors, but reputable handymen such as ourselves will be listed as well. Either of these methods will work, and we suggest checking both.

Now that you have found a list of candidates, it is time to decide which one will install your closet organizer or refinish your deck. Think about these things while you interview candidates.

• Get Estimates- Have all of your candidates give you cost and time estimates. Pay attention to which of your candidates provide you multiple options to get the job done. This is a sign of experience and a willingness to make sure that you are happy with the end product. Make sure that you get all estimates in writing. Also, inquire as to whether the handyman is insured and ask for proof as part of the estimate.
• Look for Someone You Like- This person or crew will be in or around your home. You need to make sure that you are comfortable with them as both people and service providers. If you are uncomfortable in any way, then you may want to cross a candidate off of your list.
• Ask about Payment- Beware of any handyman who wants you to pay in cash or who requires that you pay for the whole job up front before any work has been done. Either of these factors should be a deal breaker. If they are obtaining materials for you, ask if they have a discount account with a local distributor.
• Inquire about Experience- Be straightforward and ask about their experience in the field. The reference that you obtained will hint at this but make sure that your handyman has done jobs like yours before.
• Agree on Everything in Advance- Make sure that each candidate is willing to agree on the entire scope of the job in advance. Once you have reached an agreement you will want to have a contract drawn up that details what will be done, by when and for how much. Make sure that factors such as the handyman pulling necessary permits and guaranteeing the work for a particular time period are discussed n a contract. Remember it will work both ways; you cannot expect the handyman to do more than he agrees to in the contract.

We hope that your remodeling project goes well for you. We can make sure that it does if you choose us to do the work.

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

SOURCES
Handyman Connection
Ezine Articles.com
Pinellas County Building and Development
Tesco Finance.com

We make it a priority to not only provide the best home renovation and commercial remodeling service available but to be trustworthy. It makes us proud to see one of our sister franchises making the news for their exemplary customer service!

When people think home renovation they tend to think about projects that can improve the inside of the house. But don’t forget how much you can enjoy the outside! Sitting outside on a pleasant summer evening can be very relaxing. Reading and even watching the kids play are all good reasons to go outside. But who wants to stand in the yard the whole time? Not us, that’s why we recommend the addition of a patio. Add a table and some chairs and you now have an outside dining area that will give you a change of pace and let you enjoy other areas of your property. But how exactly do you go about putting in a patio?

Surface Materials

First thing pick the materials that you want the base to be made of. Keep in mind that each type of material has a different look and price, both of which are important factors in deciding

• Concrete- Can be poured by a novice or a professional. It’s often your least expensive option.
• Outdoor Tile- Just like indoor varieties, there are a lot of options and look and price change with the options.
• Stone Veneer- A synthetic product, it is made in factories. Again there are a variety of looks.
• Pavers- Another factory produced option, you can choose from many sizes and colors.
• Brick- One of the oldest building materials in use besides stone. You can choose between contemporary and antique bricks depending upon what you are looking for and your budget.
• Stone- The most natural option. It can get pricy depending on which type of stone you like the best.

Other Supplies

• Shovel (square head shovel)

• Rocks (for all surface materials except cement)
• Sand (for all surface materials except cement)
• Sledge Hammer
• Hose
• Broom
• Wood Boards
• Measuring Tape
• Level
• Once you have gathered your building materials you are ready to get started.

1. Set the base- Decide where you want your patio to be. Clear the area of sod and debris. Dig down at least 6” to prepare for the foundation. Then use your wood boards to surround the area, this is your frame.
2. Lay the foundation- Once you have your frame, lay down the rocks and then pour the dirt over it. Use the shovel to level off the dirt, make sure your surface is flat. This will be your foundation. Allow the foundation to settle overnight.
3. Install the surface- If you chose concrete, your next step is to mix and pour the concrete and then level it. Most often people choose one of the other surface materials. If you did, now you will begin laying your pieces. Start in one of the corners. Lay the surface material so it is evenly spaced and level. The pieces should be separated but close together. (You can incorporate a pattern but for first timers we suggest sticking to this easier method.) Take plenty of breaks to use your level to ensure a smooth surface as you work. Press down firmly as you lay the material so it can begin to set.
4. Finishing- Once you have laid an even surface, pour some dirt over top, make sure it fills in between the cracks. Use a broom to sweep the dirt off the surface and into the cracks. Use the hose to gently spray water over the new patio, this will allow the dirt to compact between the surface pieces and help them stay together. After letting the patio set for a day, remove the wood frame.

Now you have a basic patio! Buy some patio furniture and enjoy the new addition to your yard. Let us know if you have any questions. Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.

Your bathroom is one of the most used places in your house. The bathtub in particular gets as much or more use than any appliance that you own. Everyone who lives in a home uses the bathtub on a regular basis. Replacing an entire tub can be costly. Maybe you should consider converting your tub into a shower stall or revamping it with a bathtub conversion kit.

Change your tub into a shower stall

This option gives the bathroom an entirely new look. It is also an excellent option if accessibility is an issue, since stepping over the edge of the tub can be difficult.

• Cut your current tub: Some people choose to cut a space out of the side of their tub. This makes stepping in and out easier and is the best option if your motivation for the conversion is to help family members who need easier access to the tub. With this option you may want to install some additional grip handles on the walls of the stall for extra support for your loved ones.
• Install a shower kit over top- Other people prefer to pick out a conversion kit that fits over the top of your current tub. These kits come in a variety of colors and styles. They can be applied directly over your current tub which makes the process a lot simpler than an all-out replacement. Both options are generally less expensive than replacing your tub.

Keep a bathtub

Once again you have options. The wide variety of options is one of the reasons that converting a bathtub can be a fun project. You can create a new look regardless of which option you choose. In this case you get to choose between

• Resurfacing your bathtub- Maybe you like the way your bathtub looks except for its color. Or maybe the old tub’s surface has worn away with use. Resurfacing your tub will fix either scenario. Remember that if you resurface yourself, you will be working with a variety of chemicals that need to be handled carefully. Precautions need to be taken so you are safe. Regardless of whether you do it or you hire a professional, resurfacing will make your tub look brand new and it will definitely feel smoother to the touch.
• Purchase a conversion kit- Just like with the shower stall conversion, there are kits that will fit over your tub, turning it into a new one. This option lets you change everything about the way your tub looks because you can choose from different styles and finishes (maybe you are tired of porcelain and want marble for instance). One appealing option is turning your traditional tub into a whirlpool tub. Having massaging jets in your tub will help you relax, or in some cases even recover.

You can look up pictures on the internet or go to your local hardware store to see what all of these choices actually look like. You have so many options when converting a bathtub that you will definitely be able to find the one that fits you best. As always, if you have any questions about how to install, or would like the job done professionally, we are ready to help at Handyman Connection. Good luck and happy remodeling!

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville.