Having the right tools and gadgets around your home makes DIY projects and repairs much easier and can even save you time and money. If you are a home DIY enthusiast, there are several tools and gadgets that are essential in your toolbox. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced builder, these eight essential gadgets will help make your home improvement projects easier and less time-consuming.

 

1. HAMMER

A hammer is one of the most versatile tools around and can be used for a variety of tasks, from fixing things to pounding nails. It is a good tool to have around the house in case of a home repair emergency. In addition to being useful in DIY projects, a hammer can be used as a weapon for self-defense.

2. DRILL

A Drill is an essential tool for any DIY enthusiast. A drill is useful when making repairs, installing new hardware, and more. A drill can be powered by a battery or an electric motor. Moreover, drill bits come in various shapes and sizes, and you can choose the one that fits your needs depending on the task at hand.

3. SCREWDRIVER

A screwdriver is essential for tightening screws and installing door hinges and locks. You can also use it for removing screws from boards and panels. It can also be used as a stabbing tool when repairing furniture. Moreover, a screwdriver will come in handy when repairing electronics and automobiles. Some screwdrivers also have interchangeable heads that can be used for various tasks.

4. TAPE MEASURE

A tape measure is essential for any DIY project because it allows you to measure distances and widths accurately. You can use it to check the size of furniture pieces before you start assembling them or to mark the location of holes on walls or ceilings for later installation of plumbing or wires.

5. WRENCH

A wrench is used to tighten or loosen screws, bolts, and other objects. It is also used to pry open objects. A wrench can be made from many different materials, including metal, plastic, or wood. Wrenches are generally divided into three categories based on the shape of their handle: straight-handled wrenches, ratchet-handled wrenches, and socket wrenches. Their versatility makes them a must-have tool for any home DIY project.

6. CORDLESS DRILL

If you’re a DIYer, then you definitely need a cordless drill. A good cordless drill can do everything from drilling holes in wood to screwing screws into boards. It comes in handy for smaller jobs, and it saves wear and tear on your hands and arms when doing projects that require repetitive use.

 

7. LUBE SHUTTLE ELECTRIC GREASE GUN

A lube shuttle electric grease gun is a handheld tool that is used to apply lubrication to machinery, equipment, or other objects. It consists of a gun-shaped body that is fitted with a trigger and a nozzle. Lubricant is stored in the body of the gun and is released when the trigger is pulled. This type of grease gun is powered by electricity and is, therefore, suitable for use in areas where there is no access to a power supply. If you need to apply lubrication quickly and efficiently, this tool will come in handy.

8. JIGSAW

A jigsaw is useful when cutting wood into different shapes and sizes. It also has a blade that you can use to remove wood filler or other materials. This tool is helpful for creating a precise finish on projects. Additionally, you can also use a jigsaw to make cuts in metal or other hard materials. Moreover, the blade on a jigsaw can also be sharpened to create precision cuts. As such, a jigsaw can offer many benefits when it comes to crafting and repairing items to add value to your home.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

When it comes to DIY projects, having the right tools is essential. These eight items will help you get started on your project and make it easier and faster. If you have any questions about any of these tools, be sure to ask a professional before beginning a project. They can provide guidance and instruction that will help you complete your task successfully. Home improvement projects can be fun, but they’re not easy—be sure to use the right tools to make the process easier.

Guest Contributor: Tracie Johnson

Finding an affordable mortgage that you’re eligible for can be challenging, especially in the current home buying market. Despite so many different loan options available, it can be difficult to find the one that’s right for you.

If you’re a veteran or an active-duty military member, then you likely qualify for a VA loan! Even if you qualify for other loan types, if you can apply for and benefit from a VA cash-out refinance loan, then it’s definitely worth your time. In many situations, VA loans are the best option available and if you glance at the eight reasons below, you’ll quickly understand why.

8 REASONS YOU SHOULD APPLY FOR A VA LOAN

#1. NO DOWN PAYMENT

While other mortgages will require a down payment of anywhere between 3.5% to 20%, a VA loan does not require a down payment. For many people, providing a down payment is one of the biggest obstacles in buying a house. You need to come up with a large sum of money before you can benefit from the loan and in many cases, this is very difficult.

With a VA loan, you won’t have to scrounge up every last penny you’ve saved in order to put down a down payment. Instead, you can benefit from the loan without this obstacle.

#2. NO MINIMUM CREDIT SCORE

Another major challenge for potential homeowners is having a high enough credit score to be approved for a loan. While conventional mortgage loans have a minimum score of 620, FHA loans set their minimum to 580. Many lenders raise their minimum score requirement to avoid risky investments.

In many cases, you may be asked to show a credit score of 680 or higher which makes it difficult for buyers.

When it comes to VA loans there is no minimum score requirement. This being said, some lenders may still request a copy of your credit score in order to assess how much of a risk you are. Because of this, it’s recommended you have a score of 580 or more, though it is not an eligibility requirement.

The VA program will look at your credit history for the last year, so it’s important you haven’t filed for bankruptcy or had a collection marked on your credit score. As long as you have relatively good payback standings and haven’t had any problems, you’ll be good.

#3. RELAXED DEBT TO INCOME RATIO

Your debt to income (DTI) ratio often plays a huge role in the determining of your mortgage. For most conventional loans, this ratio is capped at 36%. For VA loans, however, it’s around 41%. Depending on the lender you contact, they may permit a higher ratio, though you shouldn’t always rely on this. 

#4. NO MORTGAGE INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

Most mortgages will require you to get private mortgage insurance. The cost for this is added on top of your mortgage payment and is often raised if you’re unable to provide a 20% down payment. This makes paying for a mortgage much more expensive. 

While not all conventional loans require private mortgage insurance, all FHA mortgages require it. When it comes to VA loans, however, private mortgage insurance is never required!

As VA loans are backed by the government, lenders don’t require you to pay for private mortgage insurance in addition to your regular mortgage payments. All the money you would have otherwise spent on insurance can go directly into paying off your loan, saving you thousands of dollars.

#5. LOWER INTEREST RATES

Mortgages typically have fairly high interest rates, especially if you don’t have an excellent credit score. While refinancing may help you switch to a loan with a lower interest rate, you won’t be able to do this right away and you’ll still lose quite a bit of money simply by having to pay so much in interest.

VA loans normally have lower interest rates than other mortgage types. This is again due to the loan being backed by the federal government.

While the average interest rate for conventional loans is anywhere between 3.5% to 4.5%, a high VA loan interest will hover around 3.5%. Of course, this will vary from lender to lender, but on average, you’ll have lower interest rates with a VA loan than you would with another type of loan.

#6. NO PREPAYMENT PENALTY

In some cases, lenders will require you to pay an extra fee if you are able or willing to pay off your mortgage before the term ends. This can be discouraging for those who want to either refinance or pay in full for their loan.

If you are able or willing to pay off your mortgage in full, a VA loan will not penalize you.

#7. EASIER QUALIFICATION

Qualifying for a mortgage can be a difficult and long process. You’ll be asked to provide multiple documents and even if you do, you may still be denied. Even pre approval may be revoked and you’ll find yourself back at square one.

VA loans are much easier to qualify for. Eligibility requirements can be found on the VA website along with more helpful information about applying for a certificate of eligibility and what to do if you don’t meet the requirements. There’s also a phone number provided at the bottom if you have any additional questions or need some extra assistance.

#8. EASY REFINANCE

If you’ve previously taken out another type of loan, VA loans can be used to refinance your current loans. When you refinance a previous loan into a VA loan, you’ll benefit from all the advantages mentioned above and won’t have to worry about managing multiple loan types.

CONCLUSION

VA loans are there to help former and active-duty military members. If you qualify, it’s certainly worthwhile to look into the option and take advantage of it. Even if you could easily qualify for a conventional loan, VA loans come with so many other benefits that it makes the most sense for you to take advantage of it anyway.

Do you own a business in the HVAC field? Here are some of the benefits of using field management software. 

 

1.      AUTOMATED PROCESSING

Field service management software will streamline operations and help you carry out field activities in a planned and orderly manner. HVAC software is flexible and can adapt to changes throughout the day. Such behavior helps to reduce the cost of energy wastage as well as inefficient activities incurred because of the confusion and frustration of a busy day.

 

2.      BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY

Field service management software is used for automating all processes, which means that the hassle of filling forms, collecting data, as well as updating the logs at the office will be taken care of. That way, technicians and employees are free to do their jobs better by spending more time on their actual job profile. Such utilization of time frees up your crew to perform their daily tasks optimally, thereby boosting productivity and improving the dispatch cycle.

 

3.      INCREASED COST EFFICIENCY

Field service management software not only helps you save money, but can actually help you earn more money. Digitizing all the paperwork and aligning forms in a single network helps save time and increases the number of jobs that your crew can handle. That means, you can take on more work, perform more jobs, and increase the daily profits.

 

4.      FIELD EMPLOYEES FUNCTION MORE EFFICIENTLY

Since each technician has a connected app on his/her smart devices, he/she can gather information from the main field service management software anywhere, anytime. This includes connecting to tech support, queries, as well as accessing tools required to perform a particular job.

Backend staff can also provide real-time communication to technicians thus improving the efficiency of the job thus translating to improved customer satisfaction. On the other hand, technicians can request replacement parts, update the job status, and even access the inventory on the go without ever having to visit the office.

It provides technicians with freedom and allows them to stay on the field to do their jobs not only quickly but also optimally. Thanks to GPS tracking, their ability to perform jobs requiring precise geographic location is enhanced. It can also help track their arrival time and even notify supervisors if technicians travel outside the prescribed zone.

 

5.      ACCURACY IMPROVEMENT

The accuracy of the job also increases because the tracking of inventory in the service supply chain is not only very precise but also recorded at the root level. It can decide what parts field workers will require for assigned tasks of the week and list them down. Those can be loaded on the truck together so that field workers don’t need to return for additional parts or equipment for the whole week.

 

6.      BETTER RESPONSIVENESS

Intelligent field service management software is flexible enough to work through the dynamics of field work, which changes rapidly. The jobs to be done may require a special set of skills or require additional crew members. 

The software can identify these beforehand as opposed to sending a technician and detecting such issues. In situations where the technicians are unavailable, the software smartly diverts resources towards the high-priority jobs automatically, thereby allowing the company to stay on its toes without human intervention.

There are so many different cabinets in Canada to choose from. It can be hard to decide which staining color will look best in your kitchen. This blog post will discuss the best staining colors for kitchens and why they work well. We will also guide you through your staining project and talk about alternative ways with cabinet refinishing, cabinet resurfacing and more.

WHEN CHOOSING A STAINING COLOR FOR MY KITCHEN CABINETS IN CANADA, WHAT FACTORS SHOULD I CONSIDER?

 CHOOSING A NEW STAINING COLOR FOR YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS IN CANADA INVOLVES NUMEROUS ASPECTS.

            First, you will need to think about their purpose or what your custom woodwork is used for. Do you use the vanity top cabinet more than anything? Then maybe a staining color that emphasizes this area is best for you, like door refinishing on one side but not the other. If it’s your dishware that catches your eye most often, then open shelving may be the right choice for your kitchen closets.

            Also, think about how your staining color choice will fit with other colors in your kitchen. For example, some oak staining colors may not look great if you have a yellow backsplash because they can clash with it.

Other Factors to consider:

●      Style of your kitchen

●      The size of your space

●      What you like aesthetically

 WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR STAINING COLORS FOR KITCHENS IN CANADA?

According to companies in Canada, the most popular staining colors for kitchens are natural oak, black, white, grey, and rustic. Natural oak is the easiest way to bring some warmth into your kitchen without making it feel heavy or oppressive. 

            For a modern design that contrasts with brilliant white walls, black is the way to go. White closets are also suitable if you want your kitchen design to be open and spacious – in this case, you might choose soft-closing hinges for extra practicality.

Colors and Style to consider:

●      Natural oak: This is a great, classic look that will work with most styles and color schemes. It’s also easy to maintain and durable.

●      Black: If you want your kitchen design to be open and spacious, black is the way to go. But It can come across as cold and stark if it isn’t accompanied by delicate trims, like glass. If you go for this look, make sure to paint the walls a warm white.

●      White: This works well with contemporary designs because of its simplicity and lightness. Because it’s so plain, however, it can also feel cold. Be sure to offset that impression by using pretty details on your Vancouver cabinetsor with the backsplash.

●      Grey: This is a good option if your kitchen looks modern and sleek. Grey has become very popular with interior decorators because it’s both warm and cool at the same time. It also looks great paired with accents like stainless steel or dark wood accents.  

●      Rustic: This look has been on-trend for a while but still works well. Mixing different woods in the same Vancouver cabinet helps them harmonize rather than clash.

HOW CAN I TEST OUT DIFFERENT STAINING COLORS ON THEM BEFORE MAKING A FINAL DECISION?

One of the best ways to test out different staining colors is applying sample boards. This way, you can see how the doors and drawers will look before finalizing your choice. You can also try different glazes, such as matte or brushed metal. There are also three other ways to test out different staining colors in your home without actually having to stain them.

1. If you have one or two spare doors or drawers that can be replaced, then try them out in different paint colors to see how it looks with the rest of your kitchen.

2. Another way is by experimenting with drawer pulls. Aesthetically, these are just as important as a color choice since they will also help to highlight your Vancouver cabinets.

3. Try painting just one small wall in your kitchen with a sample paint color. It’s an easy way to test out different shades without affecting the overall design of your kitchen or spending any money on cabinet replacement or hardware.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF STAINING?

Modern staining techniques have been created to produce professional results without a lot of fuss and bother. Our comprehensive guide will help you make a good decision about painting them without making costly mistakes. Like most renovation projects, preparation is key to getting the best results. To start, you will want to make sure that everything is clean and tidy before beginning any staining job. Be sure to remove all appliances before staining your closets to ensure a good outcome since appliances can hold moisture which doesn’t give the finish the proper curing time needed.

Staining them is a simple but essential process that will give you the color and finish you want. Here’s how it works:

Step 1 – Prime the surface

Start by using two coats of primer to cover any chipped areas or imperfections. Then apply one coat of stainable filler to the whole closet. Once this has dried, sand it down with a fine 220-grit paper until you have a smooth surface to work with. Wipe the Vancouver cabinets clean and then wipe them down once more to remove all residue from the sanding process.

Step 2: Put on the first coat of stain.

Apply two coats of stain, allowing them to dry between coats. To remove any remaining discoloration, simply use a clean cloth. Wipe them clean with denatured alcohol or paint thinner (be sure to wear gloves for all of these steps). The stain will be removed entirely with this method.

Step 3: Apply your second coat of stain.

Apply a second coat of stain precisely as you did the first. Then wipe it down with paint thinner or denatured alcohol again, applying two coats until your wooden cabinets are entirely covered.

HOW WILL NEW STAINING COLORS AFFECT YOUR CABINETS IN CANADA? 

ARE THERE ANY OTHER WAYS TO UPDATE OR IMPROVE MY KITCHEN CLOSETS WITHOUT STAINING THEM?

Once you’ve decided on a new staining color, you must apply the paint evenly. If you’re not used to painting and don’t own a paintbrush, then hire an experienced painter (or your very patient friend) for this job. Choosing the appropriate stain is only half the battle when it comes to staining your own wood.

If you don’t want to replace your kitchen closets, there are various ways to freshen them up. Some of these include replacing the hardware, door refinishing, and drawer fronts. You can also give your Vancouver cabinets a face-lift with new handles or knobs, which you can easily install yourself.

HOW LONG WILL THE NEW STAIN DRY, AND HOW CAN I ENSURE IT LASTS?

After staining them, it takes about two hours for your kitchen closets to dry. Make sure that you don’t apply any other products or materials until this affects the finished effect. You can also use polyurethane to protect the stain from fading or rubbing off. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this step.

Tips to make your staining last:

●      Buy better quality paint for your kitchen cabinets in Canada

●      Thoroughly sand the surface so that it is smooth and even

●      Apply two coats of primer, allowing them to dry between coats

●      Completely cover the area with stain, then wipe off any excess

●      Let them dry entirely before applying polyurethane for added protection

●      Apply polyurethane, following the manufacturer’s instructions for best results

 Can’t choose the right color? Call an expert today!

            Cabinet Refinishing & Resurfacing is here to help you with all of your kitchen needs. Contact us today if you are looking for cabinet replacement or want cabinet refinishing in Canada! Our team can answer any questions about staining colors and will be happy to recommend the suitable material for your project depending on what type of look suits your Style. We offer a wide range of services, including cabinet repairs, installation, painting, and more. Contact us now by phone at (604) 670-6970.

Guest Contributor: Jan Carlo Fronteras

There are so many careers in the world that there is no reason that you should not be doing something that you love. Passion is one of the most important things in the world and is really the thing that brings meaning to life. So you should do everything in your power to make sure you feel passion for everything that you are doing.

WHAT BRINGS YOU PASSION?

First things first, ask yourself what brings you passion? This is not an easy question to answer. Do not fool yourself into thinking that it is. However, by bringing the question up, you begin the process of thinking about what you actually enjoy, what you feel passionate about in your life, and what you want to be doing. This takes you down the first steps of the path to a life that you, truly enjoy.

FINDING THE RIGHT CAREER FOR YOUR PASSION

Now that you have the wheels turning in your head about what you enjoy, what you, truly find passion in doing, you can start looking at careers and jobs with a new appreciation for what you are actually going to enjoy. This can be good for you.

Be Picky. The first thing you’re going to need to do is to be picky. Not just any job will do. You need to find one that makes you feel that passion. If you know exactly what you want to be doing or have a good idea of what it is, you should not settle for anything less than that industry.

Freelance Working Options. A great way to take this real hardline stance is to get into freelance for yourself if you can. There are plenty of job boards available online for all sorts of industries that will help you to start your freelancing career. From shipping work on Shiply https://www.shiply.com/us/shipping-jobs to voice acting work on Casting Call Club.

BUILDING SKILLS

Once you have an idea of what you want to do, what brings you passion and, joy and happiness, you should start working on building skills that can take you towards that in a professional fashion. After all, skills are what help you to engage with any career, and there is no reason that you can’t just start building up new skills for what you feel you want to be doing.

Do Your Research. If you aren’t quite sure exactly what skills are going to be useful for the career you’re interested in, then do some research. The Internet is one of the most powerful information resources the world has ever seen, which means that at the tip of your fingers is the information you need to start building skills for your passion.

Specific Skills. Once you have an idea of what skills you need to start building to be able to engage with your career of choice, then just go for it. Make sure to focus on the most specific skills as possible first, but the more skills you have in your chosen field, the better you are going to be able to make the argument that you are able to do that job.

WHAT IS AN HVAC SYSTEM AND HOW DOES IT WORK

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This system provides heating and cooling to both residential and commercial buildings. HVAC systems may be found in a variety of settings, from single-family homes to submarines, and provide environmental comfort. These systems, which are becoming more widespread in new construction, use fresh air from outside to provide excellent interior air quality. The V in HVAC or ventilation stands for the process of replenishing or exchanging the air within a room. This enhances indoor air quality by eliminating moisture, smoke, odors, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other contaminants, as well as regulating temperature and replenishing oxygen.

What Is the Function of an HVAC System?

The three basic functions of an HVAC system are intimately intertwined, especially when it comes to providing adequate indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Your heating and cooling system is one of the most complicated and complete systems in your home, but when it fails, you’ll know immediately! The following HVAC system components should be recognizable to you: air return, filter, exhaust outlets, ducts, electrical elements, outside unit, compressor, coils, and blower.

Air Return

The air return is the component of your system that signals the beginning of the ventilation cycle. This return brings in air, filters it, and then sends it back into the main system. Pro tip: Dust your returns regularly because dirt and dust may readily accumulate on your filters. 

Filter

Your filter is the second portion of the air return system through which the air is pulled. Pro tip: To keep your system running smoothly, replace your filters regularly. 

Exhaust Ventilation

The exhaust outlets, where the exhaust produced by the heating system is released, are another component of your system. Check your chimney flue or vent stack once a year and tune it up if required.

Ducts

Your ducts are the pathways via which warm or cooled air flows. Pro tip: Have your ducts cleaned every 2 to 5 years to keep everything running smoothly.

  Elements of Electricity

This section of your system might be a little difficult, but issues usually start here. Check for a tripped breaker or dead batteries in your thermostat if something isn’t operating properly.

The Outdoor Unit

This is most likely the component of your system that comes to mind when someone talks about an HVAC system. The fan that generates airflow is housed in the outside unit. Keep your unit clean of garbage and grass, as plants pulled into your fan can create major difficulties.

Compressor

The compressor, which is part of the outside unit, is in charge of turning refrigerant from a gas to a liquid and delivering it to the coils. Check your compressor if anything isn’t operating properly. It is frequently the root cause of many system failures.

Coils

Coils, which are usually part of the outside unit, cool the air as it passes through with the aid of the refrigerant. Check your coils once a year. If they freeze, you should inspect your filter and/or refrigerant levels.

Blower

The blower pulls warm air into the unit’s main component. Pro tip: The more effectively this air flows through your system, the more durable it will be.

What Is Involved in an HVAC System?

Since we now know that HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, we may deduce that these are the three major components of the complete system.

A heating element is frequently referred to as a furnace or boiler. If you have a forced-air system, it will have a pipe system for the fluid conveying the heat or ductwork.

The ventilation element can be either natural or forced, and when forced, it is frequently utilized for air cleansing as well.

Many of us are aware that the third and final component of an HVAC system is air cooling, which is the polar opposite of heating. Its primary goal is to remove the current heat from the home’s interior.

How Long Does an HVAC System Last?

You’re probably wondering how long a new HVAC system will last you now that you know what it’s made of. The system’s lifespan is entirely dependent on the equipment. However, if you perform the necessary yearly maintenance, your equipment will last you for many years. Do you want to replace your current HVAC system? Or perhaps you’d want to add one entirely? Denver’s Most Trusted HVAC Company is your local heating and air conditioning company.

Guest Contributor: John Adams

Installing new windows in your home can provide many benefits, including improved insulation, soundproofing, and security. If you are thinking about installing new windows in your home, be sure to follow this simple guide! It will walk you through the steps of installing new windows, from removing the old ones to sealing the frame. 

CLEAN THE WINDOW OPENING

Once you’ve removed the old windows, you need to clean the opening. The contractors working at Texas Made Windows know how essential it is to clear out all of the old caulking and debris around the window. They use a high-powered cleaning solvent that will remove all of the dirt, grime, and caulking so that the new windows will have a clean surface to adhere to.