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When it comes to replacing your siding one factor which is often over looked is the R-Value. The technical definition of R-Value from a siding or renovation perspective is a measure of the resistance of an insulating or building material to heat flow, expressed as R-11, R-20, and so on; the higher the number, the greater the resistance to heat flow.

Q: What are the “R” values for Hardiplank siding?
A: The “R” value range is .05 – .19. However, once the existing siding is removed, we might install Tuff-R 1/2″ sheathing insulation which adds an additional 3.3 R value. Dow states, “the homeowner can realize an energy savings of 25% on the heating and cooling portion of their utility bill.” This is a fairly large energy savings and this is supported by the manufacturer. Having said that, our philosophy is even a 10-15% utility savings when you are required to update or replace your siding anyways is a tremendous benefit.

In addition, ask about a Tyvek Home Wrap as a moisture and air infiltration barrier which gives additional R value. Be sure to ask about installation options and the benefits of sheathing when you are considering doing a renovation.

Exterior finish materials are designed to protect the house from the weather extremes while providing an attractive street front appearance. They must prevent rain and snow from penetrating the building and causing moisture damage. Exterior finishes in Kamloops must be durable enough to resist normal expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, (Kamloops temperatures can range from -30 c in winter to + 40 c in summer) and premature deterioration from the hot summer days. Repairing or replacing exterior wall finishes will help protect your home, preserve the durability and structure and make it more attractive. We like the benefits of hardiplank which comes in a variety of colors and looks. Read more…

Windows and exterior doors continually breakdown due to the wear and tear coming from constant use and exposure to the weather. Failure to many parts including weather-stripping and hardware come from being open to the elements. Repairs can be inexpensive and may not give results that last very long. Replacement may be costly, however the monetary savings in energy use, provide a more comfortable home and add value to the resale. Read more…

Credit: Simone Ponne/The News

If you have been putting off getting your roof fixed, this may be the best time to get it done.

Canadians are flocking to home renovation contractors and supply stores these days to take advantage of the federal government’s Home Renovation Tax Credit. Read more…

Local building codes require a certain number of electrical outlets in a room.  However, sometimes electricians place receptacles where convenient (path of least resistance) and into the walls in an unattractive configuration.  Tell your electrician exactly where you want the outlets and jacks to be and how high you want them. Make sure you have enough, as it is not cost effective nor easy to add one or two outlets after everything has been finished.

This is a good proactive process, to go through especially if you have an idea where you want your furniture and electronics to be placed and if you want to hide the outlets and jacks behind the furniture.

One classic home remodeling tip which can be used to help maximize your resale value, is to spend  your money “where the water is”.  Typically this suggests investing in your kitchen and bathroom areas.

Other areas to focus on, is having a good trim carpenter install fine crown molding, current trim styles and good quality, low maintenance siding can really help spruce up your home and add value.

TnGc specializes in the application of siding and look forward to providing you a quote to help you with any of your renovation requirements.

If some paint remains, be sure to ask your painting contractor to save you some for those touch-ups and for future refills which you may require at a later date. If you created a file folder for your painting contractor, write down all the paint specifications in this folder. Make sure to note the additional details, if any, written on the lid of the paint can. Also a good idea to note where in the house it is being used.

Before you have any contractor dig into the ground on your property, you need to call your local utility service to come out and mark the underground utilities. This will prevent your contractor from accidentally digging into and damaging the existing services. Contractors or typical users include equipment operators, home builders, developers and landscapers, as well as federal, provincial and municipal departments.

If you are found to be responsible for causing damage to an underground facility you may be liable for all costs resulting from flooding, fire, loss of business and environmental damage. You could even be held criminally liable for any injury or loss of life. BC ONE CALL program is a free service that allows contractors to receive detailed information about the location of any underground facility within two working days. So plan ahead and be safe.

In Kamloops, we have a toll free service called BC One Call 1-800-474-6886. Telus Mobility and Rogers offer free airtime to cellular users (dial *6886).

For further details download this .PDF from the Workers Compensation Board (WCB)….>>>dial before you dig

Thinking about renovating your existing home? We hope these tips prove to be useful by reducing your stress and the amount of medication you may need. Home renovation can be stressful on you and the family. Disruptions to any high traffic areas in the home does create challenges.

• Create individual folders for each trade you hire. For example, “Siding”, “Plumbing”, “Electrical”, “Flooring”, etc. Inside the folder, staple their business cards and write down appropriate contact co-ordinates. Consider their affiliations, are they members of  the local home-builders association and any other organizations which add credibility? Stay tuned for more helpful tips…

If you live in the Kamloops area, TnGC would appreciate an opportunity to provide you a quote on any of your home or business renovation needs.

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Dos and don’ts of the Home Renovation Tax Credit by Pedro Arrais, Canwest News Service

The Home Renovation Tax Credit plan is part of the federal government’s aim to inject $3-billion to stimulate the economy. It has met with a lot of enthusiasm — but also with a lot of questions.

The plan seems simple enough at first glance: Spend up to $10,000 on renovations and construction on the family home, and you get a tax credit of 15 per cent back, up to a maximum of $1,350. It’s a credit, so it reduces the amount of federal tax you have to pay; it doesn’t mean you get a cheque for $1,350. Read more…