When You Should & Shouldn't DIY - Tips From Jamie Banfield

Every homeowner likes to think that they are the DIY master of the renovation world, but sometimes – whether they want to admit it or not – homeowners are not as good with power tools as they think they are. It is important to know when to step back and ask for help, which is why Edmonton Renovation Show presenter Jamie Banfield of Jamie Banfield Design has given us the do’s and don’ts of bringing in an expert. Hint: spending a little extra on a designer might actually save your budget!

For The DIY Master

If you have a full vision for your renovation, if you understand products and know where you need to go, Jamie suggests bringing in a designer because they can get you discounts that you would likely never snag as a consumer.

"Designers typically will take 7-10% of what typical renovation budgets should be, but those designers can fight for discounts, know when to buy thing/when there are sales going on, and know what areas to put cash into."

Jamie also says that good designers will have contacts for trades, whether it's a dry-waller or cabinet installer. Even if you're a self-proclaimed handyperson, hiring a designer could potentially nab you some great deals on products and installation.

For The Not-So-Renovation-Savvy

If you're a renovation newbie, Jamie highly recommends bringing in a designer because they'll know what steps to take and what steps not to take in terms of how to make the most of your new space.

"Professionals can help homeowners make better choices. Designers understand the details going together. They'll know that the countertops are going to be installed on Tuesday, and the plumber is coming on Wednesday. Whereas a lot of consumers won't have that plan of attack."

Designers think of the right planning and logistical aspects of a renovation project, which is definitely something that many consumers don't really consider. If you're just getting started in the renovation world, professional help is key to saving time and money.

Overall, Jamie says the most efficient way to save your renovation budget is to put the most attention on installation. Let's say you're redoing your kitchen and you've decided the best way to save money is to install the cabinets by yourself. This could actually lead to costly mistakes and sloppy handywork.

"If you cheap out on the install you could spend $20,000 on cabinets, save $2,000 by doing the installation yourself, and the whole thing will look terrible. Or you could buy a $5,000 kitchen and spend $1,500 on the installation, and just by having it installed correctly, it'll look like a million bucks."

Calling in experts can save you money, and Jamie has a million tricks up his sleeve to help you create an elegant space on a tight budget. Check out his presentations at the Edmonton Renovation Show, January 23 - 25, to find all the tips you'll need to get started on your project!

JANUARY 23 - 25, 2015.
EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE 

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Minneapolis Exhibitor Spotlight: Twin Cities Siding Professionals

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

You won't want to miss Twin Cities Siding Professionals at our 2014 Minneapolis Home & Garden Show (Feb. 26 - Mar. 2). 

We recently interviewed this fabulous exhibitor to learn a little more about them, check it out below! 

• How did your company get started (founders, early ideas, developments, etc.)?
• Twin Cities Siding Professionals was founded as a residential exterior painting company in 1995, and began installing James Hardie siding market in 1999.  We earned our James Hardie Preferred Remodeler status in 2001, and have focused on being the best James Hardie installer in the region.
• What are your products/services?

• We are a full service exterior remodeler.  We specialize in James Hardie siding, but also install new windows, doors, roofing, and decks.
• What is your company’s mantra
• Improve our customers’ lives by providing the highest quality building materials installed by highly skilled, professionally trained employees with the highest level of customer service. 
• What’s the best advice (creative or business-related) that you've ever been given?
• Always focus on quality and customer service.
•  What are your home and garden pet peeves?
• Poor work by those in our industry reflects badly on all of us.  We strive to do the best work and to set the bar high for everyone.
• What are your top 3 home and garden tips for this season?
1. Inspect your home carefully and don’t neglect problems that could become worse.
2. Request an energy analysis of your home from your local utility.
3. Plant some trees.  They are good for the environment, and the shade they provide can help reduce cooling costs.
•  What is your featured item this season?
• We love James Hardie siding products.

•  How many years have you been involved in our home show?
• 17 years
•  What is your favorite part about the home show?
• Seeing past clients that are still thrilled with their choice of contractors.
•  What is the weirdest client request you have ever received?
• A person who lived on a busy street wanted US to pay HIM to paint his house because of the “great advertising”.
•  Any embarrassing company moments you are willing to share?
• Once at a home show in 2002, our new siding display fell over on me as I was setting it up.  I needed several of my home show neighbors to help pull it off of me.

Don't miss Twin Cities Siding Professionals at our 2014 Minneapolis Home & Garden Show 

(Feb. 26 - Mar. 2) at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 

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Fun Find Friday: 3 Great Tree Houses

Recently I discovered a trend in outdoor living that has been peppered throughout many of my favorite social media platforms. It seems that tree houses are dominating the skies these days! But these are not the generic tree forts you used to play games in when you were a kid; these are serious, adult-styled wonders that float high in the sky.

Building a tree house like any of the ones featured in this post requires extreme skill and a very sturdy tree, non of which I have. So for now, I will just have to look at these photos and dream of my future home in the sky!

Top 3: Favorite Tree Houses

Photo via NetNotables.com

Photo vie Tumblr

Photo via Dornob.com

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