Choosing a Garage Heater

Need help renovating your garage? PLANIT BUILDERS might be able to help you. Book your free quote today.

Winter may be almost gone this year, but it is a matter of time before it comes back. As such, it is important to prepare yourself in advance. For many people, cold weather is what prevents them from spending too much time in their garage. If you are planning on renovating your garage this spring, here is what you need to know about the different kinds of garage heaters.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters convert electricity to heat and are the most common types of garage heaters. While they do have many benefits (they are easy to install, easy to control and ideal for people working around combustible materials), they do also have their downsides. For one, they are one of the most expensive garage heaters to run.

Space Heaters

Not only are space heaters inexpensive: They are also portable. Be warned, however, that kerosene and propane space heaters can release carbon monoxide into the air. CO is an odorless and colourless gas that is linked to hundreds of deaths each year in Canada.

Woodstoves

While they require more room than space or electric heaters (and a hefty amount of work as well), woodstoves can generate heat for hours on end. They are ideal for very cold days, but keep in mind that they need to be connected to a chimney.

Natural Gas Heater

The most inexpensive type of garage heater comes in the form of a natural gas heater. The latter generates heat from a natural gas line flowing through a gas valve. Aside from being inexpensive, they are also quick to heat. Like other types of garage heaters they do, however, have their downsides as well. If the heater is not vented properly, dangerous fumes can escape. They are also dangerous around combustible gases.

For more information, visit http://planitbuilders.ca.

A Basement Does Not Have to be a Basement

Thinking about renovating your basement? It does not need to be complicated. For more information, you are encouraged to visit our website: /basement-development.html.

When people think of a basement, they usually picture a damp, leaky and poorly-lit space. While this is often a reality, it does not always have to be this way.

We recently came across a wonderful article on Home Designing. (You can find the article here.) This article included numerous pictures of renovated basements. Only, those basements were not your “regular” renovated basements—they were on a completely different level.

Before going any further, let us ask you one question: What are basements used for? While this tends to vary from home to home, they are generally used as utility spaces. People like to store heaters, boilers and other various amenities in their basements.

But does it truly have to be this way? Do basements always have to be damp, leaky and poorly-lit spaces?

We don’t think so, and the Home Designing article certainly proved this.

So let us ask you one more question: What prevents YOU from renovating your basement into a gym? A media room? An office? With proper planning, your basement could become the room you’ve always dreamed of. It could become a bar, a second living room or even a cozy, sunlit guest bedroom.

Think about it for a moment: Your basement most likely than not makes up a good fraction of your home. If you do not use it correctly, how much space—and of course how much potential—are you wasting? We certainly don’t need to take a look at your basement to know the answer to that question.

However, this could all change today. Visit Planit Builders to see what we can do for you.

Edmonton Garage Development Company—Choosing the Best Garage Door Material

Do you enjoy the thought of installing a new garage door? Then PLANit BUILDERS, an Edmonton garage development company might be able to help you. Give us a call today to see what we can do for you. Until then, you might enjoy this article—especially if you are unsure of what type of garage door you would like to install next.

Generally speaking, there are three main types of garage door materials that you can choose from: steel, wood and aluminum. Steel tends to be the most popular material on the market because steel doors are not only durable and strong—they are also affordable. PLANit BUILDERS recommends choosing this material if you want a classic look combined with the durability that steel doors are known for.

Wood doors provide a garage with a unique and charming look. They are ideal for people in search of traditionalism. However, they are not without their downsides. For one, they tend to be more expensive than steel doors and need to be maintained on a regular basis. They do provide, however, more warmth and insulation than steel doors.

The next type of material is aluminum. The latter is the least common type of garage door material, but it is not to say that it is without its benefits. This material is slightly cheaper than steel. It is also lighter and does not rust. Aluminum is, however, easier to dent—something that you should definitely keep in mind.

So how do you choose which material to go with? It all depends on your budget and on what you are looking for. If you are mostly looking for durability, go with steel. If you value appearance above functionality and do not mind maintaining your garage door on a regular basis, go with wood. And finally, if you value lightness of material and do not have much money to spend on a new garage door, then aluminum might be best for you.

Do you still have questions? Give PLANit BUILDERS a call at (780) 468-7110.

Edmonton Basement Development Company—Basement Development Permit

Is your basement dark and unattractive? Is it cold and—worst of all—moldy? If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, you are encouraged to visit PLANit BUILDERS, an Edmonton basement development company to see what we can do for you. In the event that you would like to renovate your basement on your own, then you might want to read this article before doing anything else.

If you live in Edmonton, then it is imperative for you to be aware of your local building codes in order to avoid legal trouble. Unless you have a development permit, you are not allowed to do any kind of advanced development work on your basement. This includes changing the size of your walls, general structural work and an overall construction value that is worth more than $5,000. You can find more information about what development permits involve and what you need to do before applying for one on the city of Edmonton’s official website.

Light renovations do not require a development permit. Examples of such light renovations include roof replacement, carpet replacement, and retiling. Also keep in mind that a development permit does not encompass any other type of renovations that often go hand in hand with basement development. If you are thinking of doing electrical or mechanical work, you are highly encouraged to read more about what their respective permit entails.

To give you peace of mind, educate yourself on your local building codes—or better yet, call PLANit BUILDERS today. Building development does not have to be a headache. Sometimes it’s better to leave it to professionals.

Calgary Garage Development—How to Childproof Your Garage

As a parent, you already know the importance of childproofing your house. Kids are full of energy and it can sometimes be difficult to ensure their safety. If you own a garage, it is your responsiblity to make sure it is childproof. In order to faciliate this task for you, PLANit BUILDERS, a company dealing in Calgary garage development, has compiled a list of tips for you to go over.

1. Keep your garage door in check. This is extremely important as garage doors have been known to kill children and pets. Ensure that your door is working properly, and if need be, install a new one with a photoelectric sensor.

2. Become a child. Once you have taken care of your garage door, take a good look at your garage and try to see it the way a child would see it. This way, you will become more aware of the potential harm your garage could inflict upon your child.

3. Put a lock on the door. Never forget to lock it when you are not around.

4. Be aware of liquids and toxic substances. Always keep your chemicals tightly sealed and away from the reach of children.

5. Store sharp objects away. Consider cabinets high enough to prevent children accessing them.

6. Keep your vehicles in check. Never, under any circumstance, allow your child to stand around a running vehicles. Make sure to always lock your doors and to keep the keys on your person.

7. Be consistent. Remember that even one forgetful mistake could greatly harm your child. Be consistent when childproofing your garage in order to avoid accidents.

Need help with your garage? Visit PLANit BUILDERS to see what we can do for you.

Calgary Basement Development—How to Fix Basement Mold

Because of the often damp nature of basements, mold is a problem that many of us will encounter at one point or another. The simplest way to fix and prevent basement mold is to call on the help of a Calgary basement development company. However, if you would like to tackle the challenge of ridding your basement of mold by yourself, here is what you should know before.

Mold is dangerous. We are sure that you already that, but are you aware of how dangerous mold truly is? According to Health Canada, mold has been shown to cause severe infections to people with weakened immune systems. Even if you do not have a weakened immune system, PLANit BUILDERS highly encourages you to put on a respirator before going anywhere near the affected area as mold has been linked to allergies and other respiratory problems.

Clean the surface. Once you have taken the proper safety measures, it is time to get rid of the mold. First dampen the affected surgace with water, then mix water and dish detergent in a bowl. Scrub the surface until all visible spores are gone. Don’t forget to rinse the walls again with fresh water.

Find and fix the underlying cause. Do not merely treat the symptoms otherwise the mold will reappear before you know it. Do not hesitate to rely on professionals to ensure this step is done correctly—they do that for a living, after all.

Keep your basement in good condition. Maintaining your basement in good condition is the surest way to prevent mold. Don’t forget that mold also thrives in a humid basement. According to Health Canada, a basement should have a humidity level of 50% in the summer and 30% in the winter. If necessary, you should look into purchasing a dehumidifier. Also be aware that mold often accompanies bugs. If that is the case with your basement, you might enjoy this article detailing how to fix this issue.

Edmonton Garage Development—3 Different Types of Garage Floorings

If you know anything about Edmonton garage development, you probably already know that choosing the wrong kind of garage flooring has the potential to be extremely dangerous. Fortunately, the team over at PLANit BUILDERS is no amateur when it comes to garage floorings. If you are planning on renovating your garage, PLANit BUILDERS has prepared a short article detailing three different types of floorings for you to consider.

Garage Mats

The quickest type of garage flooring comes in the form of a garage mat. The latter does not require any installation and can simply be rolled out. Ideal for covering up stains and cracks, garage mats are incredibly easy to maintain. Quality mats should be able to resist chemical spills and be strong enough to withstand heavy traffic. They should also be slip resistant.

Garage Tiles

Like garage mats, garage tiles are used to cover up stains and cracks. They also are quite easy to install and even easier to remove. Garage tiles come in a few different sizes, with 12 inch by 12 inch being the standard size. While they are usually a bit more expensive than garage mats, they give garage owners the opportunity to create interesting and attractive patterns.

Epoxy

Probably the least common type of garage flooring, epoxy flooring consists of multiple layers of epoxy. The latter, in its simple definition, is a system that is made of resins and hardeners. When those two ingredients are combined, they react chemically and bond together to create a rigid material. Epoxy floorings are one of the most endurable floorings available on the market and tend to be much cheaper than garage tiles. They are perfect for garages as they are both chemical and oil resistant.

Having difficulty renovating your garage? PLANit BUILDERS can help you! Give us a call today to see what we can do for you.

Edmonton: (780) 468-7110

Calgary: (403) 452-2839

Edmonton Basement Development—Dealing with Basement Bugs

Let’s be honest: dealing with a bug infestation is something that most people would like to avoid. It is—quite literally—the stuff that nightmares are made of. Fortunately, while those tiny pests are often a reality for many of us, eradicating them is not as difficult as one might think. If you find yourself in that situation, the team over at PLANit BUILDERS hopes that this article will bring you some degree of comfort. (PLANit BUILDERS is an Edmonton basement development company. You can find more about the services we offer on our website.)

Before going any further, let us make one thing clear: it does not matter whether your house is clean or not, or whether your basement is finished or unfinished. Stop beating yourself up for not having cleaned your basement enough in the last few months—it’s most likely not your fault.

With that being said, the first thing that you will want to do is a thorough assessment of your basement. In order to properly eliminate those crawling creatures, you will have to know what kinds of insects inhabit your basement. (Find them here?) If your basement is damp, buying a dehumidifier might do it some good. In many cases, bugs are attracted to damp basements—and even if the dehumidifier does not completely stop the infestation, you will still be able to enjoy the many benefits of using it. (PLANit BUILDERS recommends taking a look at this article detailing how to deal with a damp basement.)

Once this is done, proceed to seal any entryway from the outside into your basement. If you see any cracks or holes along the foundation, fix them. Don’t forget the floor drains and the windows. During the elimination process, avoid storing furniture in the basement. Keep the floors clean and free from clutter and try to vacuum the area at least once a week.

Spend time doing some research on what products would work best for the type of bug infestation you are suffering from. If you are worried about the health hazards associated with commercial bug sprays, try using vinegar instead. Many people have found a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to work as well—if not better—than most commercial products.

Finally, don’t panic. Remember that bugs love three things: dampness, food and shelter. (And that at the end of the day, they might be really creepy—but they are still totally harmless.)

Finding the best Edmonton Basement Development Company | PLANiT BUILDERS

Ideas for a new Edmonton basement development:

Do you have an uninspiring basement that you have no idea what to do with? Don’t know where to turn, but are open to suggestions? Perfect, with PLANiT BUILDERS the opportunities are endless! Turn that lower desolation into something fresh and new. There is always some reason for family to come to town for a visit – why not offer your home as a place to stay next time? Remodeling your basement and adding a guest bedroom and bathroom would be perfect for friends or family that need a place to stay when they are visiting. They could have their own space and would be far enough away from your room to grant you privacy. Not into having the family stay at your place? Us either – maybe sticking with dinner and evening plans are a better idea. Offer up your place with your beautiful new entertainment room and wet bar downstairs. That will certainly keep the family merry and having a good time. Just be prepared to answer a lot of questions about your recent renovation. (searching for Calgary’s best basement developers?? You found us!)

Leaving your space undeveloped or outdated downstairs drastically reduces the amount of useable space you have available in your home. Old basement designs are generally created around the premise of storage: a lot of space for your junk and not a lot for function. Get rid of that idea and add on the room you always wished you had. Wine cellar? Theatre room? Home gym? All the above and more are possible when you go through with giving your basement a much needed face-lift. If you have children and want them close-by, but not right in your space, a play area downstairs is a perfect compromise. The basement is the most unique space in a home in terms of its malleability. It can be turned into anything you desire as long as you have the imagination to think it up.

A basement renovation is by no means a small task. Finding a company that has experience with the designs you have in mind and a trustworthy background is a must. At PlaniT Builders, we have been redesigning basements into the most sought after room for years. We visit hundreds of basements a year in Alberta and have a great deal of experience working with homeowners like you to develop the basement you fantasize about. Just because the lower level is a dark and dingy mess right now doesn’t mean it must stay that way. Book your free estimate today and see what PLANiT BUILDERS can do to make your basement your new favorite room.

PLANiT BUILDERS also offers professional Calgary garage develoment and Edmonton garage development services.

PLANiT BUILDERS Video: Finding the best Calgary basement renovation company

PLANiT BUILDERS | Experienced Calgary Basement Developer

If you have an unfinished basement, then it’s likely that you are using the space just as a storage area or just some unused workout equipment. However, what you do not realize is that you can transform your unfinished basement into an amazing living area, with very little effort and within a limited budget. If you have not yet considered using PLANiT BUILDERS for a custom Calgary basement development seriously, then now is the time to do so, as it can help you make the most of the unused space that you had been wasting all this time. PLANiT BUILDERS also does amazing Edmonton basement developments using the same level of care and expertise as we do in Calgary.

The easiest as well as the best way to remodel your basement into a living area is to hire a professional basement development contractor and best to use PLANiT BUILDERS since we specialize in basement developments! Conversely, if you are one of those who like to do things on your own, then here are some tips to make your job easier:

Depending on the unique needs of your family, you should come up with a plan for the living space. At this point of time, it is important that you pay heed to the minor details so that there is no room for error. For instance, if you are planning a living area in the basement, then it also makes sense to add a basic bathroom to it as it will help you avoid frequent trips to the upper floor of your house. Barring that you can set up a simple entertainment room with a nice throw rug to warm things up a little.

For the true handyman a basement development is often their first real attempt at home construction and as we’ve been into some truly amazingly horrible basements over the years we can only say PLEASE call us before you take on such a big job! We are the professionals and we will add value to your home. The average handyman special usually ends up adding little to no value.

PLANiT BUILDERS Video: Basement Development Calgary

PLANiT BUILDERS also is a highly experienced Calgary garage builder and experienced Edmonton garage builder with hundreds of successfully completed garages please give us a call first.

Calgary (403) 452-2839
Edmonton (780) 468-7110